by Prof. Dinesh Chandra Rai
The inauguration of the National Makhana Board by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn’t just a political announcement; it’s a validation of struggle of Makhana farners and a promise of a better future. It’s a moment I, as a food scientist, have long waited for, a time when we can finally give this miraculous crop its due. I remember my first encounter with the makhana ponds of Mithilanchal. The sight was captivating—vast stretches of green, with workers meticulously, almost ritualistically, harvesting what looked like underwater pearls. Yet, behind this serene image lay a profound struggle: a labor-intensive, risky profession that, for too long, has been undervalued and underserved.
For decades, the makhana industry has been caught in a paradox. On one hand, we have a plant, Euryale ferox, that yields a superfood of exceptional nutritional quality—naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals. On the other, we have an industry defined by manual labour and a fragmented value chain, where the farmer’s hard work rarely translates into fair compensation. The new board is poised to fundamentally dismantle this paradox. Its first and most crucial task is to empower the very people at the heart of this industry.
The creation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is a monumental first step. It shifts the power dynamic from middlemen to the farmers themselves, giving them a collective voice and direct access to markets. But the real magic will happen when we bridge traditional knowledge with modern technology. The board must prioritize the development and distribution of low-cost, submersible mechanization tools for harvesting. Imagine the impact of a simple device that reduces the physical strain and risk for farmers who now have to dive into murky waters. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about dignity and safety for a community that has endured these hardships for generations.
My research has shown that the true potential of makhana lies not just in a single product but in a diverse portfolio of value-added food items. The board’s focus on post-harvest management and processing is the key to unlocking this potential. We can go far beyond the traditional roasted snack. Think of makhana flour as a gluten-free base for fortified breads and cookies. Or makhana granules for nutritious cereals and protein shakes. The possibilities are endless. This is where academic research and industry collaboration must converge. The board can act as a catalyst, funding research and development projects to create innovative makhana-based products that can compete with international superfoods in both taste and nutritional profile.
A critical aspect of this transition is branding and market development. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mithila Makhana is a powerful asset. The board must leverage this to create a robust national and international brand identity. This means investing in quality control, modern packaging, and targeted marketing that tells the unique story of this aquatic treasure. When consumers in New York or London see “Mithila Makhana,” they should not just see a snack; they should see a symbol of India’s rich agricultural heritage and its commitment to quality and sustainability. This branding strategy will not only boost export revenues but will also instill a deep sense of pride within the communities that cultivate it.
Summarily, the inauguration of the National Makhana Board by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a crucial step for the future of the makhana industry. This initiative is a commendable display of the government’s foresight and commitment to empowering farmers and modernizing the agricultural sector. The board is expected to pave the way for a more organized and prosperous sector by addressing key challenges like traditional farming methods, post-harvest losses, and limited market access. The government’s focus on this “superfood” will likely lead to increased research and development, particularly in creating high-yielding and climate-resilient makhana varieties. Moreover, the board will provide crucial handholding and training support for farmers, helping them form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to enhance their bargaining power and secure fair prices. By streamlining the value chain and promoting modern processing technologies, the initiative is poised to transform makhana from a regional product into a globally competitive agri-export, significantly boosting rural incomes and positioning India as a leader in the health food market.
Prof. Dinesh Chandra Rai, a highly respected academic and the Vice-Chancellor of BRA Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, has made crucial contributions to food technology and agricultural science, with a focus on crops like makhana and millets. A central theme of his research is the belief that scientific progress must directly translate into tangible benefits for the farming community. He can be mailed at navinkumar.elec@brabu.ac.in
