Makhana: A White Gold Revolution at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur

 "Bihar holds immense potential to become a global leader in Makhana production and value addition. At BAU Sabour, we are committed to pioneering research, innovative processing techniques, and entrepreneurship development to enhance the marketability and economic benefits of Makhana for our farmers. Our recent scientific breakthroughs further reinforce Makhana’s status as a superfood, opening new avenues for its commercialization and global recognition."Dr. D. R. Singh, Vice-Chancellor.

Introduction

Makhana (Gorgon Nut/Fox Nut), known for its high economic and nutritional value, is primarily cultivated in the waterlogged ecosystems of Bihar. The state leads India's Makhana production, contributing 85-90% of the total output. Key Makhana-producing districts include Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria. Makhana has a rich history in India, deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and agricultural traditions. It has been cultivated and consumed in India for centuries, particularly in the eastern states of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, and Manipur. The Mithila region of Bihar is considered the hub of makhana production, accounting for nearly 90% of India's total output.

Ancient and Traditional Significance

1. Vedic and Mythological References
• Makhana finds mention in ancient Indian texts and Ayurveda. It has been used in Hindu rituals and temple offerings for centuries.
• It is often offered to gods during religious ceremonies and is considered a sacred food during fasting (vrat).

2. Ayurvedic and Medicinal Use
• Ayurveda recognizes makhana for its medicinal properties, describing it as cooling, astringent, and beneficial for the kidneys, spleen, and reproductive system.
• It has been used as a remedy for indigestion, fatigue, and urinary disorders.

Medieval and Mughal Period

• During the Mughal era, makhana gained prominence in royal kitchens. It was incorporated into kheer, curries, and dry fruit mixes.
• Nawabs and kings valued it as a luxury food item due to its health benefits and unique taste.

British Colonial Era

• The British took an interest in makhana cultivation, recognizing its economic potential.
• Traditional pond-based cultivation continued, but large-scale commercial production was still limited.

Post-Independence Development

• With the advancement of research in agriculture, institutions like Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, and ICAR have worked on improving makhana cultivation techniques.
• Farmers in Bihar, particularly in Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Purnia, started adopting better methods for higher yields.

Economic and Agricultural Significance

• Makhana provides a crucial livelihood source for small and marginal farmers.
• It generates nearly double the profit per acre compared to staple crops like paddy.
• Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, plays a key role in promoting Makhana research, sustainable practices and commercialization.

Role of Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College (BPSAC), Purnea

BPSAC, a constituent college of BAU, is dedicated to:

• Research on crop improvement, pest & disease management, and post-harvest processing.
• Conducting ICAR-funded Experiential Learning Programmes (ELP) on Makhana cultivation and enterprise management.
• Offering specialized courses like "Production Technology of Gorgon Nut (Makhana): AHT - Credit hrs. 2 (1+1)."

Training and Entrepreneurship Development

• The ICAR-funded ELP provides six months of hands-on training to final-year B.Sc. (Honours) Agriculture students, fostering entrepreneurship.
• A remarkable success story of Miss Meenakshi Dash, an alumna of BPSC Purnea and the Co-founder & CEO of Elate Crunchies Pvt. Ltd., who harnessed her expertise in Makhana-based innovations to drive business growth

Research and Development Initiatives

Externally Funded Projects:

• 06 projects funded by ICAR, DBT, DST, and other agencies, with a budget of ₹926.105 lakh.

Internally Funded Projects:

• 07 projects under State Plan/AICRP/University schemes, totaling ₹31.14 lakh.

Key Research Achievements:

• Varietal Development: Release of Sabour Makhana-1 (IC 620551), notified in Gazette of India (2019).

• Geographical Indication (GI): Mithila Makhana (GI-696) received GI tag in 2022, enhancing its market value.

• Technology Development:
1. Makhana Production Technology.
2. Integrated Pest Management Strategy.
3. Identification of Bioactive Compound: Discovery of N-(2-iodophenyl) methanesulfonamide, a bioactive compound in Makhana with significant health benefits,have increased its global recognition.

Field Demonstrations and Expansion

• 10-hectare Makhana-cum-Fish Farming Demonstration Unit at BPSAC.
• Model Villages:
• Janakinagar (Banmankhi Block, Purnea) - 2,000+ hectares under Makhana.
• Shital Nagar (Kochadhaman Block, Kishanganj) - Makhana cluster development.

• Area Expansion:
• 2012: 15,000 hectares
• 2024: 35,887 hectares
• Makhana clusters established in nine districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Saharsa, and Madhepura.

Germplasm Conservation and Genetic Improvement

• National Gene Bank: 345 Makhana germplasm accessions collected and conserved.
• Field Gene Bank: Germplasm maintained at BPSAC and farmer fields.
• Innovative Germplasm Identifications:
• Late Sown Makhana (BR. Makh-41) - Enables flowering & fruiting in December.
• Extra Early Makhana (BR. Makh-25) - Allows Makhana-Makhana cropping system.

Integration with Farming Systems

• Makhana-based cropping systems developed:
• Makhana-Mustard
• Makhana-Water Chestnut
• Makhana-Paddy-Lentil (Utera)
• Makhana-cum-Fish Farming

Capacity Building and Value Chain Development

• Farmer Training: 4,567 farmers trained in Makhana production techniques.
• Formation of Women-Led FPOs: Seven Farmer Producer Organizations established for seed production and value addition.
• Seed Production: 1,400 quintals of Makhana seeds produced annually under the Bihar government’s Makhana Development Scheme.
• Market Integration: Strengthened value chain leading to increased farmer participation in high-value markets.

Landmark Achievements

• Release of the Makhana Envelope by Shri Nitish Kumar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar, highlighting state commitment to Makhana promotion.
• Sharp increase in demand for HYV Sabour Makhana-1.
• Policy advocacy and support through schemes like BMDS & Biotech-Kisan Hub Makhana Value Chain CCS-NIAM.
• Recognition of Makhana's medicinal potential due to the discovery of its bioactive compound.

"Makhana is not just a traditional crop of Bihar; it is a symbol of our agricultural innovation and economic empowerment. At BAU Sabour, our research has unveiled its bioactive potential, reinforcing its status as a high-value superfood. We are committed to advancing Makhana production, processing, and entrepreneurship to enhance farmers' income and position Bihar as a global leader in Makhana-based agribusiness." - Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, Director of Research, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour,

Conclusion

Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, through BPSAC, Purnea, has been instrumental in revolutionizing Makhana cultivation by introducing scientific advancements, innovative farming models, and market-oriented strategies. The continued efforts in research, farmer training, and policy interventions ensure that Bihar remains the global leader in Makhana production.