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Makhana (Fox Nut)
Context
Following the announced of the formation of a Makhana Board in Bihar, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with Makhana producers in Darbhanga district, where he also accompanied farmers to sow seeds.
- Bihar's government has advocated for measures to promote Makhana cultivation, including the minimum support price for Makhana.
About Makhana (Fox Nut):
- Makhana (Fox Nut) is the dried seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox), found in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia.
- It is known for its violet and white flowers, large prickly leaves, and black to brown seeds.
- Makhana is often consumed as ‘lava’ (popped snacks) and is highly nutritious, rich in carbohydrates, protein, and minerals.
- GI Tag: In 2022, Mithila Makhana received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. A GI tag is granted to products with qualities linked to a specific region and is valid for 10 years, renewable thereafter.
- Makhana Production in India:
- Bihar: Accounts for 90% of India’s Makhana production, concentrated in 9 districts in northern and eastern Bihar (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi), with the first four contributing 80% of the output.
- Also cultivated in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, and in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.
- Climatic Requirements:
- It is grown in tropical and subtropical regions, in water bodies such as ponds and wetlands with shallow depths (4-6 feet).
- It requires 20-35°C temperature, 50-90% humidity, and 100-250 cm of annual rainfall for optimal growth.
- Makhana Board: In February 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the formation of a Makhana Board in Bihar.
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