Makhana Stakeholders’ Meet

5th September 2022, Darbhanga

Makhana has been proven to be high nutrients food which is rich in medicinal properties and good for daily health diet. The crop is a high value commodity, commercially cultivated mainly in Mithila region of Bihar.

To give boost in this sector, ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana in collaboration with ICAR-Regional center on Makhana, Darbhanga organized a one-day Stakeholder’s meet on Makhana here today.

Shri Sanjay Saraogi, MLA, Drabhanga, in his inaugural address, shared his experience in the area of Makhana production and processing. He urged for development of machine with higher capacity and suggested that ICAR-CIPHET should conduct some training programmes for farmers and stakeholders of Bihar.

Dr. S.N. Jha, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering) presided over the event. He emphasized on the historical importance of Makhana in the development of this region. He also urged the farmers to use mechanized way of popping of Makhana for higher productivity, health of workers and income generation. Dr Jha also exhorted to organized Makhana Mahotsav on the occasion of Kojagara festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima in Mithila region. 

Shri Rajiv Roshan, IAS, District Magistrate, Darbhanga emphasized on e-marketing of processed products to national and international market.

Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana. briefed about the post-harvest processing technologies of makhana and other food commodities.

Entrepreneurs, farmers and Makhana processor discussed the challenges in Makhana production and processing. It was suggested that for the development of Makhana, an active collaboration between makhana research center and ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana is necessary.

An emerging entrepreneur of Saurth Foundation, Madhubani Shri Shyam Babu Jha also spoke on the occasion.

Dr. M.S. Kundu, Director Extension Education, Dr R.P. Cental Agril University and  Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya, Director, ICAR-Research Complex of Eastern Region, Patna also graced the occasion.

The programme was attended by Makhana growers, manual Makhana popping workers, Makhana processors and various government officials.

The event ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Indu Shekhar Singh, Principle Scientist and Head, ICAR-Regional center on Makhana, Darbhanga.