The ‘superfood’ taking over fields in northern India: Makhanas, also known as lotus seeds or fox nuts, have been a prized nutritional source for centuries. The seeds are harvested from water lilies and are rich in B vitamins, protein, and fiber. In Bihar, the north-eastern Indian state where 90% of the world’s makhana is grown, farmers like Phool dev Shahni once relied on exhausting diving expeditions to collect the seeds.
However, recent innovations have changed the cultivation process. Dr. Manoj Kumar, a senior scientist at the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), has developed techniques that allow lily plants to be grown in fields with just one foot of water. This shift has increased production, tripled farmer incomes, and made harvesting easier.
One such farmer is Dhirendra Kumar, who initially hesitated to follow his father’s footsteps but eventually switched to makhana cultivation after experimenting with the crop on his family farm. He now grows lilies on 17 acres of land and employs over 200 local women to sow seeds.
The change in crop has also opened up job opportunities for women. Mr. Kumar’s aim is to provide jobs to as many farmers as possible so they don’t leave farming due to uncertainty in agriculture.
As innovations continue to transform the makhana industry, companies like Madhubani Makhana are processing the seeds for export worldwide. Traditionally, makhanas were washed, roasted, and then hit with a mallet-like tool to make them pop. However, this method is unhygienic, laborious, and risky.
In partnership with the NRCM, Madhubani Makhana has developed machines that roast and pop the fox seeds. This has helped increase the quality and production of makhanas. Despite increased production, Mr. Prasad believes prices won’t fall significantly due to rising global demand for makhana.
On his farm, Dhirendra Kumar is confident that makhana cultivation will bring far-reaching change to Bihar, transforming its agricultural landscape.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crge77e9j19o