Bihar finally got recognition for its efforts in encouraging and pushing the farming of quality Makhana or Fox Nut, also known as Mithila Makhana because it is majorly produced in the Mithila region of the state, as the aquatic nut recently received the GI (Geographical Indication) tag. This will not only help the farmers get good prices but also help in expanding the production of this nut throughout the state. 

However, the process of getting the GI tag was not an easy one. It took more than 2.5 years in all, from formally starting the process to finally getting the tag. 

Indian Masterminds spoke to officers from the Horticulture Department of Bihar to know about the efforts put in by the state government into encouraging the farming of this popular health-friendly nut, to finally getting recognition of those efforts in the form of the GI tag. 

INCREASED PRODUCTION 

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Director of Horticulture, Bihar, Mr. Nand Kishore, IFS, said that in the past 5-6 years, not only the production but the area of farming has also increased two fold. 

Traditionally, Makhana was being grown in Dharbhanga, Madhubani, Sahrasa and also the Purnia range which include Katihar and Araria district. However, in the past few years, with various efforts, the farming has also been introduced in some non-traditional areas like East Champaran and Sitamarhi. 

“All of these have seen major production of this nut. We are hopeful that after GI tag, the local farmers will get the best price, and with increased focus of the government, we will be able to expand the farming of premium quality of Makhana,” he said.

In recent times, two major and purest variety of Makhana has been introduced in the state, named Sabour Makhana 1 and Swarn Vaidehi. And, with schemes like Makhana Vikas Yojna, the government is focusing on promoting these two varieties. 

MAKHANA VIKAS YOJNA 

Under this scheme, two major institutes, Makahan Research Center, Darbhanga and Bhola Paswan Shastri Agriculture College, Purnea have developed the purest variety seeds of Makhana. The horticulture department provided Rs. 97000 per hectare to these institutes for seed production. 

With a second intervention, the local farmers have been showed through demonstrations how to grow these on their land and the government provides Rs. 72750 per hectare to them for the production. Besides these, both the institutes are also providing training for farming with scientific methods. 

Mr. DD Rajesh, an official from the state horticulture department, said, “This year, we are targeting for production on 1250 hectares area in 11 districts. This step is huge and we are hoping maximum results. Last year, the area was 600 hectares. While with the traditional seeds, the production of Makhana lies around 16-17 quintals per hectare, the production from the pure variety seed is double, around 28-29 quintals per hectare.”

He added that the GI tag will help the state reach different parts of the world with its famous and popular local produce.