- Makhana, also known as foxnut, is a key crop in Bihar, particularly in Darbhanga, with wetlands, rivers, and ponds.
- Bihar produces 10,000 tonnes of makhana annually, accounting for 90% of India’s and 80% of the world’s demand.
- The prickly water lily, the source of makhana seeds, spans over 15,000 hectares in Bihar, involving around five lakh families, primarily from the Mallah community, in its processing.
- Nine districts in the Mithila region are major producers.
- Harvesting involves collecting seeds from pond bottoms, grading, drying, roasting, and shell removal by women at home.
- The Bihar government provides a 75% subsidy on the Suvarna Vaidehi variety of seeds under the Makhana Development Scheme.
- Makhana is also part of the Union government’s One District One Product scheme, offering subsidies for branding, marketing, and infrastructure development.
- However, farmers seek more government support, including a minimum support price (MSP) to sustain cultivation.
- Women play a crucial role in the makhana economy, contributing to family earnings through seed processing.
Dig Deeper: Read about the One District One Product scheme.
