š¾ Makhanaās Boom: Superfood Craze or Farmerās Burden? š„ŗšø
- MediaFx
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
TL;DR: Makhana, the trending super-snack, is making waves globally š. But behind the scenes, Biharās farmers are grappling with labor-intensive harvesting, middlemen exploitation, and lack of mechanization š. Despite government initiatives like the ā¹100 crore Makhana Board, challenges persist. Can this superfood's rise benefit its cultivators? š¤
From Temple Prasad to Global Superfood š
Makhana, or fox nut, has been a staple in Indian rituals and fasting traditions for centuries š. Now, it's the latest health snack sensation, rich in protein and low in fat šŖ. The global market for makhana was valued at $44.4 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $97.5 million by 2030 š . India, especially Bihar, contributes over 81% of this market š¾.
Bihar: The Heartland of Makhana Cultivation ā¤ļø
Bihar produces about 90% of India's makhana, with districts like Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Purnea leading the charge š¾. However, the cultivation process is grueling. Farmers dive into muddy ponds to harvest seeds, a labor-intensive method that hasn't changed in decades š .
Middlemen and Market Exploitation š°
Farmers often lack direct access to markets, relying on middlemen who dictate prices. This exploitation means that despite the superfood's popularity, cultivators see minimal profits š . One farmer lamented, "We don't even recover what we spent during the harvest" .
Government Initiatives: A Step Forward? šļø
In the 2025-26 Union Budget, the Indian government announced a ā¹100 crore Makhana Board aimed at improving production, processing, and marketing . Additionally, the 'Mithila Makhana' received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022, enhancing its brand value .
Challenges Persist Despite Efforts š§
Despite these initiatives, challenges remain:
Lack of Mechanization: Harvesting remains manual, leading to high labor costs and low efficiency.
Climate Sensitivity: Makhana cultivation requires specific water levels, making it vulnerable to erratic monsoons.
Limited Processing Units: Bihar lacks sufficient processing facilities, forcing farmers to sell raw makhana at lower prices .
Innovations and Hope š
Some farmers are adopting new methods. Dr. Manoj Kumar introduced a high-yielding variety called 'Swarna Vaidehi' and techniques like net fencing to protect crops from floods . These innovations have shown promise in increasing yields and incomes.
MediaFx Opinion š£ļø
While makhana's global popularity is undeniable, it's imperative that the benefits reach the grassroots. The government must ensure that initiatives like the Makhana Board genuinely uplift farmers, especially marginalized communities like the Mallahs. Mechanization, fair pricing, and direct market access are crucial. Let's not let this superfood's success come at the cost of those who cultivate it.
