Makhana Farming: Farmers will get new identity from Makhana Board, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh learned the method of Makhana farming in Darbhanga
Makhana Farming: The Government of India is constantly trying to improve the Makhana agriculture sector and strengthen the position of farmers. To fulfill its objectives, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently met Makhana farmers in Darbhanga, Bihar. During this tour, Shivraj Singh Chauhan met the Makhana farmers and understood their problems at the ground level.
The Government of India is constantly trying to improve the Makhana agriculture sector and strengthen the position of farmers. To fulfill its objectives, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently met Makhana farmers in Darbhanga, Bihar. During this tour, Shivraj Singh Chouhan met the Makhana farmers and understood their problems at the ground level.
Makhana: The Pride of Bihar and A Treasure of Nutrition
Makhana, called Fox Nuts in English, is a major agricultural product of Bihar. Due to its high nutritional value, it is called superfoods. Which is used in various types of dishes across the country. Mithila region of Bihar, especially Darbhanga, is famous for Makhana production.
In the Union Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the establishment of Makhana Board. This board will provide new direction in Makhana production, processing, value addition and marketing. Also, it will ensure that Makhana producing farmers can work in an organized manner under FPO (Farmer Producer Organization).
Farmers’ Challenges and Solutions
During his visit to Darbhanga, Minister Chauhan himself experienced the farming process by getting into the pond to understand the real problems of Makhana farmers. Makhana production is a difficult task in which farmers have to work in a muddy pond all day long.
The farmers apprised the minister of their problems, which mainly included these things-
Problems faced during work: Makhana cultivation requires standing in water for a long period, which causes health problems.
Lack of technical knowledge: Availability of information and resources of new technologies is limited.
Marketing problem: The product does not get a fair price, due to which the economic condition of the farmers remains weak.
Processing and storage problem: The quality of Makhana is affected due to lack of proper facilities.
Formation of Makhana Farming: A New Beginning
The formation of Makhana Board will help in solving the problems of farmers. This board will work on these points-
Technical training: Farmers will be provided information about modern techniques.
Processing and value addition: State-of-the-art facilities will be developed for processing Makhana.
Marketing assistance: Special schemes will be run to connect farmers to the market.
Benefit of government schemes: Farmers will be helped in getting full benefit of the schemes of the central and state government.
Sensitivity and Foresight of the Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister Chauhan made it clear in his address that the problems of farmers cannot be solved just by sitting in offices. For this, it is necessary to go to the ground level and understand their problems.
He said that “Bihar is an extraordinary state. The talent here, farmers and especially Makhana are all remarkable. Makhana farmers will be provided assistance through technology.”
It is necessary to take opinion of farmers before the formation of Makhana Board
Agriculture Minister Chauhan also said that it is necessary to take opinion of farmers before the formation of Makhana Board, because no one knows better than farmers what problems they face and how they can be resolved.
Makhana Research Center will get a boost
The National Makhana Research Center located in Bihar has been given the status of a national institute. This will encourage new technologies and research work related to Makhana production. Through the research center, better training and advanced seeds will be provided to the farmers.
The formation of Makhana Board will give a new identity to the farmers of Bihar
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan’s visit to Darbhanga was not just a formal meeting, but it was a reflection of his sensitivity and foresight towards the farmers. The formation of Makhana Board will give a new identity to the farmers of Bihar and improve their economic condition. This initiative of the government will definitely be beneficial for the farmers and will take the Makhana industry to new heights.
Contact details: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to [email protected] or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.