makhan project report-gi portfolio analysis - welcome to …eprints.naarm.org.in/163/1/makhana_gi...
TRANSCRIPT
1
PROJECT REPORT
ON
GIGIGIGI PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS FOR ENHANCING INCOME OFPORTFOLIO ANALYSIS FOR ENHANCING INCOME OFPORTFOLIO ANALYSIS FOR ENHANCING INCOME OFPORTFOLIO ANALYSIS FOR ENHANCING INCOME OF
MAKHANA GROWERSMAKHANA GROWERSMAKHANA GROWERSMAKHANA GROWERS IN BIHARIN BIHARIN BIHARIN BIHAR
Submitted To,
ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management
Hyderabad-500030, India
GI portfolio analysis for enhancing income of Makhana growers in Bihar by Dr SK Soam and Mr Amitabh
Chaitanya is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.naarm.org.in.
2
DeclarationDeclarationDeclarationDeclaration
This is to declare that, I, Amitabh ChaitanyaAmitabh ChaitanyaAmitabh ChaitanyaAmitabh Chaitanya, student of Post Graduate diploma in
Management Agriculture (2009-2011), NAARM, HyderabadNAARM, HyderabadNAARM, HyderabadNAARM, Hyderabad, has given original data and
information to the best of my knowledge in the project report titled,
"GI Portf"GI Portf"GI Portf"GI Portfolio Analysis for enhancing Income olio Analysis for enhancing Income olio Analysis for enhancing Income olio Analysis for enhancing Income ooooffff Makhana GrowerMakhana GrowerMakhana GrowerMakhana Grower in Biharin Biharin Biharin Bihar” ” ” ” and that, no
part of this information has been used for any other assignment but for the partial
fulfillment of the requirement towards the completion of the said course.
I also agree in principle not to share the vital information with any other person
outside the organization.
Amitabh ChaitanyaAmitabh ChaitanyaAmitabh ChaitanyaAmitabh Chaitanya
DateDateDateDate----:::: Sig.Sig.Sig.Sig.----
Regd. No. 0903Regd. No. 0903Regd. No. 0903Regd. No. 0903
PGDMA, NAARMPGDMA, NAARMPGDMA, NAARMPGDMA, NAARM
3
CertificateCertificateCertificateCertificate
This is to certify that Mr.Mr.Mr.Mr. Amitabh Chaitanya, Amitabh Chaitanya, Amitabh Chaitanya, Amitabh Chaitanya, student, Post Graduate DiPost Graduate DiPost Graduate DiPost Graduate Diploma in ploma in ploma in ploma in
Management (Agriculture), batch (2009Management (Agriculture), batch (2009Management (Agriculture), batch (2009Management (Agriculture), batch (2009----2011), NAARM, Hyderabad2011), NAARM, Hyderabad2011), NAARM, Hyderabad2011), NAARM, Hyderabad worked on a project
“GI“GI“GI“GI Portfolio Analysis for Enhancing Income Portfolio Analysis for Enhancing Income Portfolio Analysis for Enhancing Income Portfolio Analysis for Enhancing Income ooooffff Makhana GrowerMakhana GrowerMakhana GrowerMakhana Growerssss in Biharin Biharin Biharin Bihar”””” under the
mentorship of me as a part of partial fulfillment of his PGDM (A) course at NAARM for
the period February-April. He has successfully completed the project and come up with the
desired outcome expected.
His endeavor and adroit analytical skills bring the essence of the study.
I wish him all success in future.
((((Sudhir Kumar SoamSudhir Kumar SoamSudhir Kumar SoamSudhir Kumar Soam))))
DateDateDateDate----:::: SigSigSigSig----::::
Project GuideProject GuideProject GuideProject Guide
Principal ScientistPrincipal ScientistPrincipal ScientistPrincipal Scientist
NAARM, HyderabadNAARM, HyderabadNAARM, HyderabadNAARM, Hyderabad
Table of Content
4
Contents Page No.
Preface Vi
Acknowledgement Vii
Executive Summary Viii-IX
Chapter.1 Introduction
a) Background of the project
b) Objective of the project
c) Methodologies and Field Visits
10-11
10
10
11
Chapter.2 Cultivation practices of Makhana
a) Morphology of makhana
b) Cultivation Practices
c) Pest & Disease Control Measure
d) Control With Plant Extract
e) Seasonal Calendar in different regions
f) Makhana Seed Collection
g) Cleaning and storage
h) Gradation
i) Required Implements/Appliances
j) Integrated Fish- Makhana & Vegetable- Makhana Cultivation
k) Dietary characteristics of makhana
l) Value Addition In Makhana and a Case Study
m) Medicinal Properties of Makhana
12-24
12-13
13-14
14-15
15
15-16
16
17
17-18
19
20
21
21-24
24
Chapter.3 Present Status of Makhana Cultivation in Bihar
a) Field-Based Makhana Cultivation and its Advantages
b) Technological Gaps
c) Present Level of Technology Usage
d) Measures to reduce the technology gap
e) Productivity Levels
f) Price Spread
g) Gender Issues, Institutional Set-up and Demographic Distribution
h) Leasing of Government Ponds
i) Socio-equity Issues
25-40
25-26
26-28
28-29
29
29-31
32
32-37
37-38
38-39
5
j) Credit Need and Source of Funds 39-40
Chapter.4 Problem Identification and Limitation
a) Existing Marketing Channels
b) Proposed Marketing Channels
c) Value chain analysis, Issues and Interventions
d) Other Problems in Makhana cultivation
e) Demand projection of Makhana
41-48
41-42
43-44
44-46
46-47
47
Chapter.5 Recommendations and Conclusion 48-50
Annexure
Annexure.1- Schedule of Lease holder, Sub-lease holder, Primary Processor
Annexure.2- Schedule of Makhana Trader
Annexure.3- Schedule of RCER-ICAR, NRC Makhana, Scientist
Annexure.4- Maps of Madhubani, Darbhanga, Katihar, Purnia, Araria
Annexure.5- Letter of MSTC to Dr. V.K.Gupta, Head NRCM
51-64
52-56
57-58
59-61
62-63
64-65
References 66
PREFACE
6
A sound macro- economic environment and effective trade policies are essential but not sufficient
conditions for integrating developing countries in the multilateral trading system. Most marketers realize
that India is on the cusp of momentous change. The economy is vibrant, incomes are rising; and the habits,
preferences, and attitude are changing rapidly. But now here is this more evident in rural India. There is,
thus, an emerging need to build expertise in rural dynamics. This report will encompass the present status
of one of the main source of livelihood in Bihar in term of cultivation pattern, the farmers associated and
elaborate explanation of makhana production in Mithilanchal region of Bihar.
There are several challenges that must be overcome for studying the demographic pattern, gender issues,
technological gap and socio-equity status of cultivators involved in cultivation of makhana. You will find
the expert discussion, their views, the best practices and current development happening in the field of
makhana and fish cultivation especially in different districts of Bihar. Moreover, The biggest challenges
faced during study, is the challenge of reach- the families lives in small patches and are basically scattered.
There is no any particular market where trading activity of makhana is happening as compared to other field
crops. The innovation is least observed in this sector even though the potential is huge.
Bihar accounts for over 85 per cent of the Makhana production of the country which resulted into thrust
area for taking up the task and identifying the constraints in the export of Makhana from the state. As per a
rough estimate 50,000 tonnes of Makhana worth Rs 550 crores in market are produced annually. Makhana
is probably an under exploited and under investigated crop. It is being cultivated traditionally and its
processing from guri (makhana) to pop requires skilled laborers. Mechanized processing is yet to be
introduced. Integrated Makhana-Fish cultivation, mechanization of harvesting, post harvesting and
processing, and establishment of makhana based industries, development of better storing and transport
facility, contract farming and efficient marketing will play a vital role in livelihood enhancement of poor
Makhana growers.
I believe there is urgent need for sharing of experiences and insights gathered from the field with all the
masses and let other also to contribute in identifying constraints along with me and work out the action plan
where makhana grower will be benefited in terms of enhanced income and improved standard of living
through GI portfolio analysis.
Amitabh Chaitanya
Regd No.- 0903
PGDMA, NAARM
National Academy of Agricultural Research Mangement (NAARM)
Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad-500407
Acknowledgement
7
Apart from the efforts of me, the success of this project largely depends on the encouragement and
guidelines of many others. I take this immense opportunity to express my gratitude to the people who have
been instrumental in the successful completion of this project.
I especially wish to acknowledge Dr. Sudhir kumar Soam, Principal Scientist, NAARM for the
intellectual stimulation and monitoring of my work and providing continuous feedback to move work in
desired direction on this project.
Words are inadequate in offering my thanks to Dr. V.K.Gupta, Dr. Lokendra both from National Research
Centre on Makhana along with him Dr. Janardhan Jee from Regional Complex on Eastern Region (ICAR)
for their encouragement, cooperation and valuable time they had spent in carrying out the work.
I also want to acknowledge the contribution and guidance provided by Mr. Chaitanya Upadhayay Manager
Livelihoods JEEViKA, and other staff members of different organizations during the survey in various
districts for one month.
I wish to forward my sincere thanks to National Academy of Agricultural Management, Hyderabad for
providing me opportunity to work on such a vivacious project and fully understand the system prevailing
among makhana growers.
Last but not least, I owe a special debt of thanks to my family member who where always inspirational and
phenomenal in fulfilling this project with full corset.
1. Executive Summary
8
Bihar accounts for over 85 per cent of the Makhana production of the country which resulted into driving
force for taking up the task and identifying the constraints in the production of Makhana from the state. As
per a rough estimate 50,000 tonnes of Makhana worth Rs 550 crores in market are produced annually. This
data may also shoots up if the cultivation can be more streamlined and transparent where more price
realization will occur to the actual farmers who has inherited this ability of cultivating makhana from their
fore-fathers. It has been estimated recently that the area under then production which was dwindling few
years back has sensed the up-trend due to more involvement of farmers other than mallah community and
sensing the income generation potential of this crop.
Makhana is probably an under exploited and under investigated crop. It is being cultivated traditionally and
its processing from guri (makhana) to pop requires skilled laborers. Mechanized processing is indeed in
infancy stage but days are not too far when more mechanization will not be in full swing. Integrated
Makhana-Fish cultivation, mechanization of harvesting, post harvesting and processing, and establishment
of makhana based industries, development of better storing and transport facility, contract farming and
efficient marketing will play a vital role in livelihood enhancement of poor Makhana growers in days to
come.
Preparation of the project report on makhana from Bihar involved collection of primary as well as secondary
data from published as well as unpublished sources. Accordingly, the field visits was made to Darbhanga,
Madhubani, Katihar, Purnia and Araria districts of Bihar. During the field visit, a detailed discussion was
held with Dr. V.K.Gupta. Sr. Scientist, Dr. Lokendra Sr. Scientist at National Research Centre, Darbhanga.
Besides, 75 lease holders, sub-lease holders and 15 primary processors representing different size categories
of ponds/tanks/fields were interviewed with structured interview schedule. In addition 20 whole sale traders
and Small traders from Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, Purnia and Araria districts were also interviewed
with a structured format.
The net income from Guri cultivation ranged from Rs. 10,000 to 15,000 per acre: (as being told by
cultivators) primarily depending upon the nature and size of the pond. Prices of Guris as well as Makhana
pop varied widely across seasons as well as regional locations. For Guri with 95 % of arrival concentrating
between August to September. Its prices during peak season remained low in the range of Rs.25 – 30 /kg.
It reached almost Rs.35-38/kg by December. It is hoarded mostly by the wholesalers in Madhubani,
Darbhanga, Katihar and Purnia. Within the season, it varied though marginally, across different
locations/blocks in the district.
Based on the field visits, the following are the recommendations which are proposed to be taken to
accelerate the production of makhana from Bihar and strengthen the socio-economic status of makhana
growers.
GI status should be granted to Bihar on the basis of extensive cultivation practices and fulfillment
of country demand by 80-85% by single state. This will not only strengthen the livelihood and
income generation to growers but will fortify the economy of the state as a whole.
9
Syndicate efforts should be made by NRCM (ICAR) and Bihar govt. through JEEViKA for capacity
building, streamlining the leasing market for the fishermen/mallah community and develop a
strategy to work on accessing water-bodies through institutional mechanism such as Self Help
Group (as per current fishery Gazette on leasing) or Cooperatives formed through 1935 act or 1996
act. Services such as soil and water testing, gap-filling, re-transplantation, measures for pest control,
training & exposure at critical stages will be imparted in the farmers’ field approach by the
experienced makhana farmers, village resource persons, scientist at their door-step.
Adopting the suggested Marketing channel model as pilot basis to assess its performance and
reliability.
Reduce the technological gap, improve value chain by various interventions.
Adoption of Field based Makhana-Rice crop intensification approach especially in districts like
Madhubani and Darbhanga.
Inviting big retail players such as Reliance, Aditya Birla, Future Group for more assured return to
the makhana grower.
Develop the scaling up strategy to improve the amenable condition for the poor to participate and
lease more numbers / acreage of pond in the pond leasing market (either from the Government
owned or Privately owned), Makhana Productivity enhancement, ensured Buy Back arrangement
and above all livelihoods improvement of the poor along with the development in the Makhana sub-
sector. Integrated Fish cum Makhana Cultivation should be promoted which will play vital role in
livelihood enhancement of poor Makhana growers. Mechanization of harvesting, post harvesting and processing is required. NRC has already
developed mechanized system of makhana pop processing. This has to be established at block level
and integration of farmers should be done.
Institutional credit facilities at two intervals such as during leasing of pond/land and irrigation are
required. Promoting the concept of e-Auctioning initiated by MSTC (A Govt. of India Enterprise). As there is very less application of chemicals and fertilizers so this crop can be taken as Organic
produce and its promotion is required accordingly among the consumers. The consumers should be
made aware of its nutritional and medicinal benefits.
The Agri- Export Zone Hazipur, could be widened to include export promotion of Makhana
products as well under partnership of makhana growers/processors, value adding processing firms
to get fiscal incentives in terms of tax concessions under the schemes of government of India.
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
10
Background of the project-:
As a part of fulfilling my MBA course in agriculture, National Academy of Agricultural Research
Management has given me this opportunity to do the project on “GI Portfolio Analysis for Enhanced Income
to Makhana Producers”. The whole project is guided under the mentorship of Dr. S.K.Soam Principal
Scientist, NAARM. The core purpose of this project is to identify the opportunity and challenges faced by
makhana growers in the different part of Bihar and prospect identification on how their income can be
enhanced by different approaches. In the process, I have visited five potential districts in Bihar specifically
known for large scale makhana production and the institution associated for the enhancement and
improvement of makhana cultivation namely RCER-ICAR complex, Patna, National Regional Centre on
Makhana, Darbhanga.
Objectives of Study-:
The specific objectives entrusted by my mentor for preparation of the project report on “GI Portfolio
Analysis for Enhanced Income to Makhana Producers” were as follows:
a. To identify the present status of makhana production and any development occurred which can uplift
the income generation to the grower?
b. To identify constraints in profitability of makhana growers.
c. To identify harvest and post harvest technologies for makhana including mechanization of
harvesting, post harvest and processing.
d. To identify the nature of production (Organic/Chemical) and any institution grading system for
sustainability of aquatic eco-system.
e. To identify the other institutions (Govt./Non-govt.) involved for promoting makhana cultivation
encompassing better price realization to farmers.
f. To identify the technological gap, practical gender issues and socio equity issues.
g. To identify the existing supply chain, its impact and establishing the improved supply chain for
better scalability of makhana.
Methodology and Field Visits-:
Preparation of the project report on makhana from Bihar involved collection of primary as well as secondary
data from published as well as unpublished sources. Accordingly, the field visit by me was made to
11
Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, Purnea, Araria and Patna districts of Bihar during 26/02/2011 to
18/03/2011. During the field visit, a detailed discussion was held with Dr. V.K.Gupta Head and Dr.
Lokendra Sr. Scientist at National Research Centre, Darbhanga. Besides, 75 Lease Holders, Sub-Lease
Holders, Primary Processors and Private pond owners representing different size categories of ponds/tanks,
were interviewed with structured interview schedule/questionnaire. In addition 15 makhana processors and
20 whole sale traders from Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, Purnia, and Araria districts were also
interviewed with a structured format (Annexures).
Chapter-2
Cultivation Practices of Makhana
12
Euryale ferox Salibs known in
Vernacular as Makhana and Gorgon
nut or Fox nut in English belongs to
the family of Nymphaeceae, native
to East Indies and cultivated wildly
in China from last 3000 years.
Reports of fossil species
corroborate that E ferox is a
temperate plant, introduced
through bird dispersal in different
parts of the world, mainly India,
China, Japan, Korea, North
America, Manchuria, Nepal and
Bangladesh. In India, Makhana is
grown as a natural crop in
stagnant water pool mostly lakes and
tanks, in states such as Bihar, Assam,
West Bengal, Tripura, Manipur, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, J&K. Out of which Bihar contributes
about 80-85% of gross production of makhana. The major states of Bihar where makhana is grown
extensively are Darbhanga. Sitamardhi, Madhubani, Katihar, Purnia, Saharsa, Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria
etc. The bowl shaped physiographic of north Bihar in general and Mithilanchal in particular, abounding in
myriad stagnant fresh water pools with repositories of diverse aquaphytes holds unbound potential for
cultivation of Makhana crop in this land. Although Makhana is cultivated in stagnant water pools/lakes in
different parts of the country, the possession of unique skill by the fisherman community of Mithilanchal
in arduous task of harvesting/collection Makhana Guri seeds from the deep water beds by making heaps on
the beds through countless diverse and processing these seeds into kernels/ pops endows this region in
commercial cultivation and processing of this crop. Recently NRC makhana piloted improved method of
cultivation of makhana and they got tremendous success in this regard. According to improved methods
Makhana-Rice based crop intensification has been giving very fruitful result and enhanced the income
generation pattern of farmers in Katihar, Purnia, Araria and adjoining areas.
a) Morphology of Makhana-:
The Makhana plant is a large prickly acaulescent aquatic herb with floating leaves. The plant grows in
standing shallow water (1.5-5.0 feet water depth) and according to the new improved method under only (4
cm depth) of water has rhizomatous stem. The rhizomes remain deeply rooted in the sediment by means of
thick fleshy roots in clusters. The huge thorny elliptic or orbicular mature leaves are peltate (1.0-3.0
diameters). The leaves are green above and red/purple beneath.
The fruits mature and burst between June and August and the globular seeds drop to the pond/water bed.
With the onset of winter season, the plant undergoes natural decay. To facilitate harvesting of guris/ seeds,
the left over thorny plants are removed from the water before harvesting. With harvesting of guris/seeds
13
complete in three to four separate collections, some seeds are left over in the pond bed and start germination
around December – January. The thick fibrous roots comprise three four clusters, each having 15-17
rootlets. The growth stages of Makhana plants are sowing (mostly left – over seeds) germination,
membranous leaves, flowering and fruiting, bursting of fruits and harvest phases, occurring during,
November, December, January, February-March, April-June, July-August and September-Octobers months
respectively. The flowers are solitary submerged and epigenous with four persistent thorny sepals inserted
on the flowers above the level of the ovary together with several seriate petals. The ovary opens on the
surface of the water 2-3 days and then sinks under water until the fruit ripens. Around the ripening stage,
the fruit once again reappear on the water surface. The inferior, multi- carpellary ovary develops into a
spongy fruit, which is densely, prickly of the size of a large orange, containing 30-40 pea-sized seeds with
bard black seed cover. Once the fruit ripens, it bursts open and seeds spread over the pond bed.
b) Cultivation Practices-:
The leftover seeds germinate for the next crop cycle/season
during October- December. Replantation is done manually if
there is dense or sparse growth of plants. The tender plant is
protected form pests, mostly through manual netting/ roping
of the plant or application of firewood ash. Of late, the
makhana growers have started using pesticides as well if the
pests menace is not controlled by the manual or natural
methods. Normally the growers would utilize his own plant
buds in other ponds owned by him or the same pond for
replantation or they procure the plantlets/seeds from the
neighboring farmers but in rare cases, it is sold or purchased.
The indigenous boat made banana trunk or earthen pot are
used for pest treatment and other related operation. The re
composition of organic matter either decayed plants or
supplements such as dung/ manure act as fertilizing agents
for the crop flowering starts in April – June. In case of
applying fertilizers they generally apply 25kg/acre to even
100-150kg/acre in varied condition as per the region and
stages of plant. Similarly, the present pesticide application pattern in different region varies in the range of
12-15kg/acre on average basis. Since from five years it has been observed that the farmers has switched
from organic makhana cultivation to applying pesticides and fertilizers in their ponds and low land fields.
The major causes of application of chemicals are due to decreasing productivity of pond, attack of more
pests, erratic weather condition, decreasing water tables and other complex factors.
c) Pests and Disease Control Measures
The plant is attacked by a number of insects and pests such as aphids, caseworms and root borers. Heavy
infestation is characterized by etiolation and decay of leaf. The traditional method to overcome such pest
14
attacks on Makhana plants involve roping/netting as also application of burnt firewood or ash. Modern
methods of controlling the pest menace are controlled through sprays of insecticides like Sevidon, BHC.
Fenwal and Eldrin. The Makhana leaves are also attacked by fungal leaf blight disease, which can be
controlled by spraying pytolam. Besides storage insects like mite are also common, which bring about a
decline in the quality of the pop and stored raw seed. If not checked, the production loss could be as high
as 80-90% due to pest infestations.
Table 1 Insects, Mites and Fungi attacking raw, popped and stored seeds of E. ferox Salib
Species Parts of stored produce affected
Insects
Sitophilus oryzae Linn. Seed and Pop
Rhizopertha dominica Fabricius Raw Seeds
Tribolium castaneum Herbst Raw Seeds
Anthrenus sp. Water House Seed and Pop
Mites
Tyrophagus putrescientiae Seeds
Fungal Species
Alternaria alternate Pop
Cladosporium cladosporioides Pop
Cylindrocladium sp. Pop
Rhizopus sp. Pop and seeds
Mucor circinelloides Pop and seeds
Aspergillus clavatus Pop and seeds
d) Control With Plant Extract-:
Chemical pesticides can not be used readily for the control of pests on the stored seeds. For this regard trials
with three neem formulations were made for the control of the major storage insects and on the field
condition e.g. Sitophilus oryzae. A maximum mortality of 85-40% was observed in the plastic bag and in
15
the field were makhana are transplanted @ 50-80% treated with need seed powder and the bark extract of
neem syrup @ 3gm/100 seeds.
e) Seasonal Calendar for different regions as per the study conducted in different district
Seasonal Calendar for Fertilizer, Pesticide and Organic manures of Madhubani District.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Makhana Season
Non-Makhana Season
Fertilizers
Pesticides
Organic manure
Seasonal calendar for Fertilizer, Pesticide and Organic manures of Darbhanga District.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Makhana Season
Non-Makhana Season
Fertilizers
Pesticides
Organic manure
Seasonal calendar for Fertilizer, Pesticide and Organic manures of Katihar District.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Makhana Season
Non-Makhana Season
Fertilizers
Pesticides
Organic manure
Seasonal calendar for Fertilizer, Pesticide and Organic manures of Purnia District.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Makhana Season
Non-Makhana Season
Fertilizers
Pesticides
Organic manure
Seasonal calendar for Fertilizer, Pesticide and Organic manures of Araria District.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Makhana Season
Non-Makhana Season
Fertilizers
Pesticides
Organic manure
16
Makhana
Season
Non-Makhana
Season
Fertilizers Pesticides Organic manure No application
f) Makhana Seed Collection-:
Makhana harvest takes place during morning at about 10
AM and continues up to 3 PM. This is an age-old
traditional practice confined in few communities. Four to
five people together collect seeds from bottom at a time.
They fix a bamboo pole, locally known as ‘Kaara’, in one
place and cover up to 2-3 m radius around it during
collection. They together dip into water at the base of
bamboo pole and then each diverges in different direction
to the periphery. They each drag seeds with the help of
their both palms and gather them to the base of the bamboo
pole. One dip for one person lasts 0.30 min to 0.45min and
varies person to person. The whole procedure of seed
collection surrounding one pole takes 1- 1.5 hr and depends
upon the amount of seeds lying in the ground. Collected
seeds are washed and cleaned with the help of container,
locally known as ‘Auka’.
17
g) Cleaning and storage-:
The day’s collection comes to an end at about 3 PM.
They make a few groups of which 3-4 people each,
including children, to pick up collected seeds heaped in
the bottom. They put them in a crescent shaped
container, locally known as ‘Gaanja’, which is then
swung as well as shaken repeatedly by touching water
surface until all the seeds get cleaned; this practice
remove all the unnecessary wastes adhered with seeds.
Clean seeds are then packed into small polythene bags,
each with carrying capacity of about 20 –30 kg. and
brought to the embankment. The seeds are again poured
into a cylindrical container, locally known as ‘Auka’ or
‘Khanjhi’, which is rolled over ground so as to rub seed
coat, which get smooth afterwards. They bring the
processed seeds to their hut and keep them as such
overnight. Next day female members spread them over a
mat for drying for 2-3 hours under bright sunlight, even
for 7-8 hours in case of cloudy weather.
h) Gradation-:
They sieve all the processed seeds for gradation: the
process arranges seeds as per their size by allowing
them to pass through the sieving devices, locally known
as ‘Jharna’ – a rectangular thin iron plate of 1.25 sq.ft,
bounded by wooden frame of 2.5 inches height. The
entire gradation process requires 10 devices marked
with No. 1- 10, based on their individual mesh size; No.
1 device is having the total number of about 160 mesh,
with individual largest pore of about 143 mm2, No. 10 having the total number of about 600 mesh, with
individual smallest pore of about 39mm2. Gradation
initially starts by using No. 1 sieve, followed by sieve
No. 2-10 in order. Dried seeds are put in No. 1 sieve and
shaken so that bigger ones remain as such, while smaller
ones pass through the same. Again passed seeds are
sieved with No. 2 and the process continues until No. 10
sieve is used. All the graded seeds are stored separately.
18
1st Frying
As soon as seeds get dry, they require frying; otherwise
they become spoiled. Frying is done in a round aluminum
pot placed on earthen oven, which is prepared by digging
out of earth. Its periphery is with three ridges made up of
sticky consolidated mud plastered with semisolid cow
dung for long lasting. Mostly, ladies take part in frying:
about 600 gm nuts, dry seeds called as ‘nut’, are put in
hot oven at a time for 5 minutes and stirred fast and
continuously with the help of frying stick, known as
‘larna’, comprising about 20 sticks made up of either
bamboo or iron, each 1.5 ft long. A larna has a
convenient wooden handle at its base.
Storage-: After frying, nuts are preserved in container made up of long bamboo strips or reeds, one kind of
long grass; it is plastered with semisolid cow dung. The upper portion of the container is shielded with
course cloth so as to maintain inside temperature.
2nd Frying
Once fried, they are to be fried 2nd time after 60 hours to
have pulp ready to eat. The entire process is called as
‘Bhaja’/‘lava’: about 200g fried nut are put in hot oven at a
time for 2-3 minutes. During frying 1st person takes out 6-12
fried nuts from pot with wooden spoon, called ‘Sipi’, and
hands them over to the left palm of 2nd person sitting beside
him. He immediately place them on a wooden plate, called
‘Pata/Aphara’, and his right palm holding a wooden hammer,
called ‘Pitna/Thapa’, thrash them within a matter of few
seconds. The fried nuts get expanded as soon as thrashed,
resulting into formation of white pulp by removal of black
seed coat. One white pulp gets expanded 3 times more than
that of the nut.
Rubbing and storage
A haul of white pulps are put in container and rubbed with
palm so as to remove the residues of black seeds coat still
adhered with pulps. Clean pulps are stored in polythene bags
or are kept in a small packet for marketing.
i) Required Implements/Appliances-:
19
Some of the major implements/tools/appliances required in Makhana guri cultivation and pop processing
are as follows:
a. Pitcher Floats (Gharra): It is an indigenous boat made with bamboo poles and earthen gharra in inverted
position. It is used for movement in pond interiors for various operations such as replantation, plant
protection, harvesting etc. This is also used for fishing and harvesting of Singhara (Water Chestnut), another
aquatic crop.
b. Rope: The long inter-woven paddy straw, made indigenously, mostly by Makhana growers themselves,
is used to roll over the tender leaves in the pond (March-April) to control aphid pests.
c. Auka: It is a cylinder shaped large bamboo stick bucket with one end closed and the other end kept open.
It is used for harvesting raw seed/guri from the pond bed.
d. Gaaz : It is an inverted bell or comma shaped bamboo stick appliance, utilized along with Auka for
harvesting guri/seed. It is also used in fishing operation.
e. Kaara : The bamboo poles fixed in the pond sediments are known locally as Kaara. They are used for
demarcation of areas to be swept by individual harvesters. Seeds collected at the bottom of the pond are
heaped around these kaaras for being lifted ashore.
f. Khonghi or Deli: It is smaller bamboo stick bucket with cylindrical shape like Auka. It is utilized for
storing raw and popped seed as well as fishes.
g. Vines: Two locally available vines, known in vernacular language as Dudhlau and Kariyaunu, are utilized
as cordage in bamboo appliances.
h. Sieves: Seven to ten sieves of different mesh sizes are used for the gradation of raw seed and popped
Makhana. These sieves are made of iron sheets with wooden frames.
i. Mats: Mats are used of sun-drying raw seeds/guris before roasting. These mats are generally made of
kush.
j. Aphara and Thaapi: These are wooden appliances made of heartwood, mostly shisum. Aphara is a
platform on which roasted guris/seeds are hit with flat wooden hammer called Thaapi.
k. Karachi: This is bamboo split which are inserted in the mud along with the transplanted seedling to help
Makhana plant establish foothold when the water level is deeper.
l. Earthen pans: Vernacularly known as Karachi, they are utilized for roasting the sun dried sees/guris
without sand mix. Some other appliances used in Makhana Guri cultivation and pop processing are Pathiya
and Chhitiya made of bamboo sticks. Besides, there are a few other appliances such as earthen pitchers,
aluminum and iron utensils, and jute/plastic bags.
20
j) Some of the techniques which are well practiced among farmers to increase their livelihood along
with makhana cultivation are as follows-:
(1) Integrated Fish-Makhana Cultivation
Integrated makhana- fish cultivation is reported to be the
common practice in the State of Bihar. It involves rearing of air-
breathing fishes like Kavai, Mangur, Singhi etc. along with
cultivation of makhana in small ponds with moderate
supplementary feed. The culture of water breathing fishes is
restricted in such ponds, as makhana leaves create a blanket
cover over the water surface, restricting fishes to take water
breathing. However, in large ponds, the integrated Makhana-fish
culture consisting of water breathing fishes like Rohu, Katala, Mrigal etc. was also observed in the field.
Technology for such culture involves setting aside the middle part of the pond from Makhana cultivation
such that the blanket cover on water surface due to large Makhana leaves are avoided. Recent experiment
made for integrated Makhana fish culture with exotic fish like Telapia in Darbhanga division has offered a
new option to such growers in the district. This exotic fish is a voracious herbivore and even controls the
menacing weed in Makhana ponds.
(2) Integrated Vegetable-Makhana Cultivation
Recently the emphasis through the effort of NRC Makhana has given on integrated Vegetable-Makhana
cultivation which is really improving the income generation pattern of small makhana grower especially
the landless farmers. The vegetables such as cauliflower, chilli, brinjal, gram, mint etc can be planted on
the embankment of pond or the land where makhana has been planted. It is observed that the qualities of
vegetables grown at the embankment of pond are more nutritious and high in production as compared to
normal mono-vegetable crop.
21
k) Dietary Characteristics of Makhana-:
The food material in Makhana seed is stored in the
perisperm. Edible parts of the seed contain 12.8%
Moisture, 12.6% Protein, 0.1% Fat, 0.5% Minerals
76.9% Carbohydrates, 0.9% Phosphorous, 0.02%
Calcium and 1.4 mg/100g of Carotene. Calorific
analysis gives a value of 362 k.cal/100g for raw
Makhana and 328 k.cal/100g for popped Makhana.
Thus the calorific value of Makhana compares well
with staple food materials such as wheat, rice etc.
Makhana is superior to dry fruits such as almonds,
walnut, coconut and cashew nut in terms of sugar,
protein and ascorbic acid and phenol content. It is
even superior to many plant and animal based diets.
l) Value Addition in Makhana-:
There is immense opportunity observed in makhana in relation to the value addition. This can establish
more scalability globally as compared to present condition and increase the income generation activity of
all the makhana growers. This can easily be done with less effort from government side and from the side
of farmers. In present day focus by the Bihar govt. has been given to increase the value addition activity at
regional level. It has been observed that, 50gm Makhana power has more nutritional quality as compared
to full glass of nutritional drinks available in the market under the brand name of Horlicks, Complan etc.
the major hindrance in this regard is lack of awareness about this crop and its medicinal property among
the consumers. The demand for this product has to be created by syndicate effort of institutions like NRC
Makhana and government by various approaches which will be discussed at later part of this report. Some
of the products which can be made from makhana are Makhana Snacks, Makhana Kheer, Makhana Sweets,
Makhana Rasmalai, Makhana Halwa, Makhana Mitthi Dahi etc.
22
Makhana a case of success in value addition-:
What Verghese Kurien is to rural Gujarat, Satyajeet Kumar Singh is to heartland Bihar. If Kurien ushered
in white revolution through Operation Flood, Singh is poised to roll in Makhana or WHITE BALL
REVOLUTION that has improved the live of the marginalized farmers in Bihar’s village.
Singh is the makhana king, the man who packed the common lotus fruit and tured it into an exotic delicacy.
He added further value to food item rich in nutrition and medicinal value. Processing the fruit didn’t just
increases the shelf-life it also opened up trade and export opportunities.
A section of makhana growers comprising fishermen and Mallahs- communities at the lowest rung of the
socio-economic ladder- are already benefiting
from it. In the year 2006, from the hands of
Honorable chief minister of Bihar Mr. Nitesh
Kumar inaugurated “Shakti Sudha Industries” in
Patliputra Estates for processing and value addition
activities of makhana pop. On July 19, 2006-07 the
white ball revolution received a further fillip with the
opening of Khet Se Bazar Tak (KSBT) centre at
Gangoli Kanakpur Panchayat in Manigachi block of
Darbhanga district. The centre was set up to provide
makhana farmers a platform for sell of makhana at
pre-announced price with immediate payment.
Farmers were provided identity card, linkage
with zero-balance bank account and personal
insurance cover from KSBT.
23
With a dream to align all segments and stakeholders of makhana procurement from farm gate, engaging
womenfolks, processing and marketing with backward and forward linkages. The objective was to enhance
farm gate price of makhana (price to farmer) from Rs. 70-80 per kg to Rs. 150 per kg.
KSBT can provide a value chain for procurement of makhana pop. From processing industry the chain will
start from spokes. Primary procurement centre (PPCs) in 130 panchayats in 26 blocks of eight districts-
Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Araria and Supaul. The spokes will be linked
to eight hubs in which makhana clusters would be developed at the block levels as per recommendation
made in food Vision 2015.
The white ball revolution will be realized when the processed and packed makhana products are exported.
The export activity has started operating to different parts of the world and the farmers associated with
KSBT are sensing the benefits from this Hub and Spoke Model of Supply Chain. Export has brought rich
dividend to makhana growers with enhanced farm gate price and prosperity to processing industry. Shakti
Sudha Industries currently retails packed natural makhana, makhana pop, makhana flakes, makhana kheer
powder, at its state-of-art- fully automated processing centre.
24
m) Medicinal Properties of Makhana.
i. According to texts of ayurveda fox nut or makhana tastes sweet (madhura rasa) and is heavy (guru)
to digest. It increases moisture level in body tissues (snigdha and sheeta veerya).
ii. It strengthens the heart and is very useful in anemia.
iii. Makhana increases quality and quantity of semen, prevents premature ejaculation, increases libido
and helps in reducing rate of female infertility.
iv. It strengthens body and increases energy level.
v. The herbs under this group are used in vajikarana therapy.
vi. It has curative properties for human ailment such as respiratory, circulatory and digestive.
vii. It is also effective for stomachic and articular pain.
viii. On account of lesser fat content it serves as an ideal food for heart patient.
ix. The seeds are used for the treatment of diabetics, spleen, and gonorrhoea diseases.
x. The different parts of the entire plant are used for medicinal purposes as remedy for rheumatism,
polyurea, spermatorrhoea, parturition, and bile disorder.
25
Chapter-3
Present status of Makhana cultivation in Bihar
As is reflected by the data information obtained through sample survey of makhana growers as well as
processors, sampled with whole sellers and different government officials, cultivation of makhana in
Darbhanga and Madhubani is replete with
(1) Inefficiencies and rigidities in the factor market, including the weather pond resources.
(2) It is characterized by absence of new technological packages.
(3) Large intermediaries in the makhana product market, interlinked credit and product transactions
with high element of exploitation.
(4) Weak socio-institutional settings in which makhana growers and processors operate.
(5) Absence of adequate demand absorptions, large price and production fluctuations etc.
Field-Based Makhana Cultivation
In contrary to above, the regions of Katihar, Purnia and Araria region is finding good return from the
makhana cultivation due to the soil condition and changed method of cultivation practices. The farmers of
these areas are adopting “Field based Makhana cultivation” which has increased cropping intensity and
income generation. As we know, makhana is six to seven month crop so the field will be free for other
subsequent crops. These farmers they generally go for rice cultivation on the same field where they cultivate
makhana. By adopting this method it has been observed they get about 100 quintal more production then
tradition cultivation in ponds and increase in the production of rice as compared to general methods. This
methodology is the contribution of the research activity done by NRC Makhana under the eminent scientist
Dr. Lokendra Kumar, Dr. V.K.Gupta, M.A.Khan, Dr. S.S.Singh, Dr. Janardhan Jee and Ashok Kumar on a
controlled and open situation.
After success of subsequent trial the
NRC, Darbhanga is trying hard to
educate the farmers of Madhubani and
Darbhanga region to adopt this
method, but it has been observed that
there is great societal rigidness in
adopting this methodology.
Advantages of Field based Makhana
cultivation
26
(1) Higher production of makhana and subsequent rice/late variety of maize as field crop.
(2) The bund/embankment can be used for production of vegetables.
(3) The growth and management of crop (thinning process) is much efficient than a traditional method.
(4) There are fewer incidences of pest, diseases and weeds in comparison to pond cultivated makhana.
(5) More recovery of makhana guri in one harvesting thus saves huge amount of labour cost has been
observed.
(6) Inter-cultural operations performed during makhana cultivation are easier to be performed.
(7) Makhana can be cultivated along with water chestnut (Singhara) thus can help in profit
maximization.
b) Technological Gap-:
From the sample of 88 farmers and five prominent region of makhana cultivation it has been inferred that,
72% of them have highlighted the need of any variety for makhana, 12% have told they are satisfied without
any new variety and sensing good return from the old unidentified variety. Rest 16% those who are basically
processors was not in a position to comment about the need for new variety because they are mainly not
concerned with cultivation but doing the work of post harvest operation i.e. guri to pop conversion. This
inference has been shown in the graph below-:
Those who highlighted the need of new variety they are more concerned for those varieties which will be
drought/adverse climate resistant, pest & disease free and if possible can be the thorn less varieties.
Similarly in the case of satisfaction level with the production
of makhana about 68% are satisfied and about 22% are not
satisfied and 10% were not able to commentabout the
satisfaction level due to less involvement in production
activity. This has been shown in graph herein.
Those who are not satisfied with the makhana production has
shown the concerned at different levels when they were
asked. At production level maximum out of 22% were with
the notion that government should support them financially
to prevent from middlemen cluthes, immediate need of
cleaning of ponds since it is used publically by the rural folks
by throwing the garbages, washing clothes into it which is
reducing its quality. This has to be protected by bunding.
During harvesting, development of machine has to be
required which can reduce mannual labour and high
recovery of guri. At processing level, improved machine has
27
to made which can integrate manual activity and reduce the time of popping.
Through our survey, I tried to probe into why these technological gaps exist?
After the discussion with different scientist at NRC
Makhana we come to know that there is no any
technologies developed so far in relation to value
addition, standardization, grading and processing of
makhana. They told about decade back one technology
i.e. machine for converting guri to pop was developed as
processing of makhana but due to inefficiencies related
to recovery of pop and higher cost it was not success
among the farmers.
The other reason for huge technological gap are, less
availability of specialized scientist at National Research
Centre on Makhana (NRCM) specifically working on
technological aspects, there is no breakthrough obtained
to reduce the manual load to machanical methods of
harvesting. Less reachability of extension activities done
by NRCM. The participant in various activities at NRCM basically belongs to only Darbhanga district, No
proper record keeping of number of farmers involved in makhana production throughout Mithlanchal
districts.
To validate these statements, I have inquired among farmers about their familiarity with works of NRCM
and whether they have visited at NRCM in any of the extension event, their responses are as follows-
41% showed familiarity with NRCM about their activities but only 30% out of 88 farmers from five districts
has visited to any extension or training activities. This condition if we will take district-wise then farmers
of the regions of Katihar, Purnia, Araria have not yet visited to this place i.e. 100% farmers in NO category.
c) Present Level of technological Usage
28
According to traditional method of makhana cultivation, there
was negligible usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides but
now due to reduced productivity level of ponds and crop field
these are used extensively used at different part of makhana
cultivation belt. About 43% is applying fertilizer i.e. still lesser
and 57% are not applying fertilizers and satisfied with
production. According to different regions Darbhanga
accounts for least usage of fertilizers followed by madhubani
ranging from 15-25kg/acre whereas districts such as Katihar,
Purnia and Araria uses maximum fertilizers ranging from 100-150kg/acre. The reason for changing pattern
is the method of cultivation. The Katihar, Purnia and Araria districts cultivate makhana in the field condition
i.e. different from tradition method of cultivation in ponds.
In terms of pesticides usage, 86% of all level of farmers
accepted that they are using pesticides such as Aldrin, BHC,
Fenwal powder remaining 14% donot use any pesticides. The
graph shows high percentage of usage of pesticides but the
quantity they use is quiet less with only 10-15Kg/acre
throughout the Mithlanchal region.
For applying organic manures completely into the field, there
are very less numbers of farmers who do makhana solely as
organic cultivation. Only 20% are those out of 88 interviewed
respondents who accepted they are following complete organic
production without any fertilizer and with least pesticides. Rest
80% were not following the full organic manure application to
makhana.
Weeds has also been identified as one of the major menance in
the cultivation of makhana and creating huge problem during
intercultural operations. The statement can be well validated by
the interaction with farmers and scientist at NRCM. The 82%
producers has accepted weed is the major problem followed by
6% for diseases and 3% Insects/Pests and 9% can’t able to
differentiate. It has been seen that weeds has reduced the
production of guri to a great extent. The identified weeds are
Pistia, Lemna, Salvinia, Eichhornia, Chara, Vallisneria, Nitella,
Hydrilla and other filamentous algae. These algae choke the growth of makhana plant and competes with
the nutrients available in the pond. It also creates problem to the fish by choking in their gills thus hampers
in case of Fish plus Makhana integrated farming. To eradicate this problem of weed in makhana there is no
chemical or organic remedies are available. By earlier method it has to be removed manually which adds
to the labour cost of makhana grower but recently NRCM had done one experiment in their farm where
29
they were successful in reducing the problem of filamentous algae by incorporating Azolla, Lemna and
Pistia.
d) How to reduce the Technological Gap?
(1) Increasing the productivity of makhana by more capacity building approaches and more reach of
extension activity done by NRCM.
(2) Allocation of more fund by Bihar government in coordination with NRCM (ICAR) for adopting
proper package and practices.
(3) Insuring the sustainability of aquatic eco-system by cleaning, bunding and reclamation of ponds.
(4) Mechanization of harvesting, post-harvesting and processing.
(5) Establishment of more makhana based industry and providing efficient marketing channel.
(6) Fulfilling the immediate financial need of growers of all level through banks and other financing
sources.
(7) Bringing the mechanical implements used during makhana cultivation process which grower
destroy after every makhana season.
e) Productivity levels
The productivity level of Makhana seed/guri as well as
makhana pop much low in Madhubani and Darbhanga
districts as compared to technical potential as also those in
Purnia, Katihar districts. It was around 12.5 quintals/acre
for Guri and around 4-5 quintals/acre for Makhana pop in
2010-11. Again, the productivity level of Makhana Guri
was higher for larger size ponds as also size of capital and vice versa. It was largely because the higher size
ponds owners invariably uses more inputs and employed larger capital for pest control measures as also for
30
re-plantations, which, in turn, augmented yield level of guri production in such ponds. the recovery rate of
Makhana from guris was significantly influenced by the quality of guri/seed and the skill of the processor.
It was learnt in the field that smaller the seed better was the lava and vice versa. It was gathered that
Makhana Guri grown in Katihar district with smaller size yielded better recovery rate in respect of Makhana
pop. However, the skill for process of Guri and Makhana pop is not commonly found everywhere. Even in
Madhubani district among makhana community specialized in processing of Guris into best of makhana
pop because of their traditional inheritance of the skill, mostly by the female folk.
The female folks are pioneer in the field of converting guri into pop the reason behing it, is the continuous
work of 1st frying to 2nd frying and thrashing to grading all done in the home and these women can handle
such job without going in the field/pond for harvesting. This has been inferred from the 20% female
respondent respondent among the sample of 88 makhana growers and processors.
Table.2 Price Spread of Guri Seeds and Makhana pop of 8 Kg bags and 12 Kg bags in Darbhanga
and Madhubani districts for the year 2010
Makhana Guri
Sl.
No.
Levels Price
(Rs./Kg)
Sl.
No.
Levels Price (Rs./Kg)
1. Farm Level Processors 100 (8Kg)
90 (12Kg)
1. Farm Level 40-43
2. Area Level Local Trader 100-110
90-100
2. Trader 43-50
3. District Level wholesalers 110-130
100-120
4. Inter-state Level
Wholesalers
130-160
120-150
5. Metro Retailers 200-250
6. Retailers
Season 180-200
Off-season 220-250
31
7. Consumers
Season 210-220
Off-season 250-300
The price spread in case of Katihar, Purnia and Araria are slightly higher than Darbhanga and Madhubani
region. Here the flat rate of 10Kg bag was sold @ Rs. 1200 during season of makhana and @ Rs. 1800
during off-season periods of makhana to the farm level processors. Due to these advantages the makhana
in this region are considered as BLACK DIAMOND. The overall expenditure incurred for all the operation
in makhana cultivation ranges around Rs. 70-80 in total. This types of rates for 8Kg, 10Kg and 12Kg bags
are applicable for other informal kind of grades also which are mainly named by the age old traders and the
organization such as Khet Se Bazaar Tak by Satyajit Kumar Singh. The name of other grades as discussed
are
The other grade which is identified by one of the large processor cum producer of makhana is
Generally the largest seed has its size ranging from 13mmX10mm, Medium size from 10mmX9mm and
the smallest 7mmX5mm as discussed in the literature.
f) Price Spread
Rasgulla Murrah Thurri Chipta
Rasgulla Pakwaan Krishna Gopal Prince Aman
Sahni
Samrat
32
Prices of Guris as well as Makhana pop varied widely across seasons as well as regional locations. For Guri
with 95 % of arrival concentrating between August to October its prices during peak season remained low
in the range of Rs.30 – 40 /kg. It reached almost Rs.45/kg by December. It is hoarded mostly by the
wholesalers in Madhubani, Darbhanga, Katihar and Purnia. Within the season, it varied albeit marginally,
across different locations/blocks in the district. It was relatively higher in such regions/blocks where the
concentration of Guri cultivation was higher as the wholesales had scale advantage in such region and
therefore offered to pay higher prices of guris in such blocks. Price of Guris also showed to fluctuate widely
across year, often influence by the prices of Makhana pop which was by and large determined by the
wholesales in Kanpur, Delhi and Varanasi, Patna as it was those traders who commanded and absorbed
most of the demand of Makhana pop which was by and large determined by the wholesaler had scale
advantage in such region and therefore offered to pay higher prices of guris in such blocks. Prices of Guris
also showed to fluctuate widely across years, often influenced by the prices of Makhana pop
Price of Makhana pop also showed seasonal fluctuation. At the farm level, it remained as low as Rs90-
100/kg in August, reaching a level of Rs. 180-200 in the month of January –February. However with most
of the sale transactions by the grower during September – October the average price of Makhana pop at
farm gate i.e. processors level was found to be Rs 955/kg only. At the wholesale level the average price at
Madhubani was in the range of Rs 130-150/kg for 10kg, makhana gunny bag. The wholesale price at Kanpur
and New Delhi ranged at around Rs 150-180/kg. It is higher in case of 8 and 9kg makhana bag due to better
quality of pop. It included transportation cost as also the commission and miscellaneous expenses. At the
retail level price of the makhana pop at different centers like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata ranged between
Rs. 180/kg -200/kg or even more. With the emergence of a few makhana pop processing units at Patna,
Katihar, Darbhanga and Madhubani, the price of makhana pop at the farm level as also at the wholesale
level has improved in recent years.
g) Gender Issues, Institutional Set-up and Demographic Distribution of Makhana Cultivators-:
It has emerged from the present survey, that across the year marginal and poor households are engaged in
some form or the other with paddy cultivation, dairying, with women folk involved also in paintings. The
occupational distribution within the Madhubani and Darbhanga districts, however, continues to reflect
certain traditional norms, such as the engagement of the members of the “Mallah and Keot ” community in
fisheries and makhana cultivation. Harvest and processing in makhana cultivation are considered a tedious
and laborious task. It is the traditional occupation of Mallah and Keot caste, inherited from forefathers for
generations. Average family size, ranging between 5-8 persons is much higher among them. The Mallah
community is sub-divided into three sub-castes viz, Baanpar, Chaabh and koal, each with straight jacketed
composition, not marrying among each other. Of them Baanpar, forming only 10% of the community, is
superior caste group, belonging mostly to the creamy layer. They are resource rich as well as better
educated. Politically, they are more active and most of the Secretaries of Machhuara Co-operative Societies
belong to this sub-caste. Generally, they will not do the menial job on Makhana ponds. On the other hand,
Chaabh and Koal sub-caste groups have the dominant demographic presence, and are most resource poor
and illiterates. They are the actual divers and guri harvesters. These people move in groups to different
places in Madhubani,, Darbhanga,Katihar, Saharsa as also distant places in Assam, West Bengal and the
33
neighbouring country Nepal for harvesting Makhana seeds. The group generally harvests the seeds in 2-3
lots on contract basis either on share of seeds or cash amount. They also possess the unique and the exclusive
skill in Makhana pop processing.
Literates with knowledge are counted few, more so among the females. With acute poverty, incidence of
malnutrition and under-nutrition was visible, particularly among the children of this community. Division
of labour is categorical among them with men folk cultivating Makhana crop which included sowing (if
required) transplanting and harvesting guris. The trading of Guris and Makhana Lawa is also handled by
the male folk. These men are also engage in fishing work as wages labourers. The women folk on the other
hand vend fish look after domestic animals ( Cow, buffalo and goat) cultivate the fields taken on batai, fry
makhana seeds for popping(which is shared by men also) besides cooking the meals , looking after the
house and family kids. Children too contribute, particularly in removing the kernels from Makhana pop.
While the son would help in fishing and Makhana cultivation, the girl child does the household chores,
including tending of little children. Child marriage has been reported common in this community. Out of
their entire activities spent for makhana harvesting and processing, it has been estimated roughly that male
spent 50% of labour, followed by female 40%, and children (both boys and girls) 10% . A wide range of
age groups are involved in these activities, and respective works are performed by either male or female or
together, but there is no hard and fast rules to engage the respective genders as mentioned in Table.
Table.3 Type of activities along with genders involvement, their age group
Sl No. Type of activity Gender involved Range of age group (yrs)
1 Seed collection Male 15-60
2 Seed Cleaning Male 12-60
3 Seed Transport Male 12-60
4 Drying Male+ Female 12-60
5 Gradation Male+ Female 12-60
6 1st Frying Female 30-60
7 Storage Female 12-60
8 2nd Frying Female 30-60
9 Rubbing Female 40-60
10 Storage of Pop Male+ Female 12-60
34
Thatched mud houses make up their dwelling places, which are generally clustered around the water bodies.
These water bodies i.e. ponds are sanctified by them as their deity who they worship and render sacrifices.
A strong caste- panchayat operates among them whose decisions are binding on the fellow caste men.
Serious affliction in their society is alcoholism among the men apart from tobacco chewing and bidi
smoking. This often leads to domestic violence and forces them into vicious cycle of crippling indebtedness.
The men folk borrow money from the middlemen and moneylenders at high rates of interest (60%-120%)
to meet their day to day expenses and drinking habit which forces them fall into debt trap.
Although the mallah community is the traditional grower of
Makhana other higher castes have also moved into the business
of Makhana cultivation and created their own niches in this
market. They cultivate Makhana either on their own ponds or
sub leased government ponds by engaging the services of
mallah as wage earner. They intruded into this business due to
its lucrative nature and high profit earning. The study reveals
that, 32% of respondents out of 88 are those who primarily
don’t belong to mallah community and have opted for this
business as profit earning activity, remaining 67% are those
who follow makhana cultivation as inherited from their fore-
fathers.
When the respondents are asked about the satisfaction level
from the profit earning aspect in makhana production 68%
(29%+39%) replied they are earning very good to good profit
from makhana production and they are very satisfied. Very few
are those who are simply satisfied or unhappy with profit
generated from makhana. On the basis of region, the cultivators from Madhubani and Darbhanga are falling
in 25% and 7% category of satisfied to not good category of profit earning from makhana due to previously
mentioned technological factors.
35
Form our structured questionnaire, when we
enquired about the need they feel should be
urgently brought in makhana cultivation, more
than 40% farmers sensed the immediate need
of financial institution, more than 30% farmers
realized the need of technology for better
harvesting, about 18% cultivators need better
processing machine for high recovery of pop.
Rest 10% sensed the other need of protecting
pond, reclamation of ponds and cleaning
activities.
Last two years before there was no any Self
Help Groups (SHGs) working in the field of Makhana cultivation but due to “JEEViKA” initiative under
“Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (BRLP)” the inception of SHG concept is laid. They have
formed several groups of women comprising 10-15 women who work in various activities of makhana
cultivation. The KSBT also establish the link up with JEEViKA and assist the SHGs by providing training
in improved makhana cultivation, providing assured return on pre-negotiated price of makhana pop. The
KSBT in association with ATMA provide development of skills, better processing methodologies and
improved market access. This SHG are available in regions of Madhubani and Darbanga and other parts of
mithlanchal do not any specific groups for makhana cultivation. The names of some of the SHGs working
under JEEViKA are,
GROUP MEMBERS
Kamla 16
Yamuna 12
Kausalya 12
Santoshi Maa 6
Gauri 12
Sita 13
JEEViKA have group of 90 farmers whom money are given through V.O in the form of liquid money upto
4 lakhs and micro-planning done for the interest of makhana growers. They have started with demo plot at
Basauni in Madhubani district and shown the improved method of makhana cultivation. Though the demo
plot was failure in first attempt but members got benefited in terms of better knowledge and market link up.
Moreover, they got associated with KSBT for assured return of their output for guri and pop as well.
36
Fig-: The JEEViKA a world bank funded Bihar Govt project
Fig-: Members of different SHGs formed under JEEViKA.
37
Fig-: Members of different SHGs formed under JEEViKA
h) Leasing of Government ponds-:
Government ponds, earmarked for Makhana cultivation are leased at prescribed rates with preference of
Fishermen Co-operative Societies which in turn lease it to its members. These societies are registered under
the Bihar Co-operative Societies Act 1935. The ponds are leased in the name of the Secretary of the society
who sub-lets the government ponds to the members. In some villages, it was seen that the entire community
in the village jointly cultivate Makhana ponds with equal sharing in the output as well as labour and other
inputs. The secretaries are elected by the members and these societies are governed by the rules under the
1935 co-operative act. Attempts have also been made to organize the Machhuara women into thrift and
credit groups i.e. Self Help Groups. Now the Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME), Muzafurpur
also recognized the role of makhana into main stream of income generation activities of Madubani and
Darbhanga districts. They are assisting in formation of cooperative societies for imparting training on
various aspects such as Export promotion approach, pest and disease management and efficient marketing
establishment. The cooperative society recognized under them are “Keoti Runway Vikas Prakhand
Matasyajeevi Sahyog Samiti Limited”, Chak Bhawani and “Makhana Processors Cooperative Society”
However this is yet to percolate among the makhana growers in Madhubani district and other adjoining
areas.
38
Abnormalities Seen in Distribution of Government Pond-:
During the study it has been found that there is great dissatisfaction among growers in relation to the
distribution of ponds in all the makhana growing districts. The growers narrated that on the fixed rate of
government pond i.e. around Rs.2000-3000 they have to pay the hefty amount to the secretary. For acquiring
the lease of ponds on annual basis they have to pay average of Rs.8000-10000 which is several times higher
than the normal charges. There is no governmental check on such kind of discrepancy. The grower felt the
need of system to be changed and added that the distribution has to be done on lottery basis to the farmers;
there should be fair play for distribution and whatever the rates are decided the growers need not to pay the
higher charges.
On the discussion over the way in which
mode they find easier in cultivating
makhana, 32% of the respondent were in
support of self lease on govt. pond
specifically in Madhubani and Darbhanga
districts, None was in favor of contract
farming under company whereas 18%
was supporting both self lease on govt. as
well as private pond. 4% of respondents
are supporting only self lease on private
pond. The self lease on private pond is
more popular in case of Katihar, Purnia
and Araria region because of different
mode of cultivation i.e. on field where they grow Rice/late maize crop on same field.
i) Socio- Equity Issues
It has been studied that around 72% are basically nuclear family among makhana cultivators of all category
of lease holders, sub-lease holders and primary processors but they live together as in a group. They work
together but sharing of the profit is distributed among those families by themselves. Only 28% of the
respondents live as joint families in the studied area of makhana cultivation. Living in smaller family they
found more convenient in distribution of work and
the income earned by the group member.
The nature of farmers says they are basically land
less farmers or having a very least land for
cultivation which fulfills the daily need of their
vegetables or meal but to a large extent they have to
purchase every staple item them. They don’t have
surplus income or disposable income to uplift their
living standard. Even apart from main farm activity
39
of makhana cultivation the earning from fishery as secondary activity with makhana also do not support is
raising their standard of living. We can see approximately 80% of farmers are landless to small in nature
and meager 3% accounts as large cultivators.
j) Credit Need and Sources of Fund-:
Given the absence of investible surpluses, the Makhana growers and processors needed credit support at
several stages.
(1) The time of taking pond on lease.
(2) At the time when the growers spend on pest treatment or dewatering or water filling of ponds.
(3) They need credit support even for harvesting purposes when the payment of wages is made in cash.
As processing of Guri into Makhana pop is village specific some of such village persons would take up
Guri processing into makhana pop as a full time enterprise and acquired guris from distant places such as
Purnea, Katihar, different part of Mithilanchal, Assam and Nepal. They also hire skilled labourers on daily
basis for the duration of makhana pop season. Such traders cum processors also need large credit support
for collection/procurement of Guris/Makhana seeds.
However the institutional credit support is by and large absent, except those given under SGSY scheme. As
a result the Makhana growers and processors have to depend heavily on the local moneylenders and
wholesale traders in their respective districts for sourcing their fund needs. The wholesalers in Madhubani
would also outsource such fund support from wholesale traders in Kanpur or Delhi. For such credit support
the wholesale trader at Madhubani would charge an interest rate from the farmer/processor in the range of
Rs.5-8/Rs.100 per month. while the traders at Kanpur and Delhi would charge an interest rate of 3-5 % per
month from Madhubani wholesale trader. In addition to paying high interest rates, the grower/processor
would be required to tag sale of their Makhana Guri or pop to such traders only at a price normally Rs.5-10
less than the prevailing market prices. More important element of underweight at the hands of wholesale
trader was also reported in the range of 10- 15%. Thus due to interlinked credit/product transactions the
Makhana growers/processors were making explicit loss by 10-15% due to underweighting and tagged sale.
The exorbitant interest, ranging between 60 to 90 % per annum further robbed their due share.
On evaluating the various amenities available with cultivators such as vehicle/land/house on their name the
responses are 49% who owe any of one and 51% of them do not have their own house and living on rented
house. This factually reflects the social status of mallah and associated communities under makhana
cultivation. More than 57% cultivators have no health insurance even though they are working such an
arduous task of makhana cultivation, even negligible amount of 8% of farmers avail the facility of crop
insurance in the area of Katihar, Purnia and Araria. Madhubani and Darbhanga do not avail any facilities
of crop insurance on their crop. No institutional insurance has been seen in any districts of makhana
cultivation which is of urgent need since the crop of makhana is very much weather sensitive crop. Quite
often it has been seen that the production and productivity of makhana crop has reduced due to weather
factors.
40
As we have seen, processing activity of makhana is fully done by female of mallah society. In last several
years, there has been report of falling sick in doing various activities of processing. The female member has
to sit for more than 16 hours in front of fire during peak season of popping which lead to decreasing eye-
sight, burning of hands, dark pigmentation, anemia, even cases of abortion of pregnant women. The male
member reported repetitive fever, common cold, weakness etc.
The families of mallah communities keenly supported the need of introducing insurances in makhana so
that even doing hard labour they are not worth paid what they need to be paid. If crop failure happens they
have to bear all the losses leading to high debt and vicious circle around them. The average income of sub-
lease holders ranges from Rs.30000-40000 p.a which is less than Rs. 2500 a month. This all condition leads
them to live a feeble living style. They are not even able to give proper education to their child, maximum
of them do not even able to visit school. Adding to this disappointment they have to save money for the
marriage of girl child as dowry, under age marriages are also prevalent in such communities. During off-
season they work as labourer on other farm or on the kiln for livelihood, male members move to other states
sometimes in search of minion job.
Chapter-4
Problems Identification and Limitation
41
a) Existing Marketing Channels
As we can recall from back discussions, there are three distinct stages in Makhana cultivation and trade. In
the first stage Guri/ Makhana seed is cultivated by the growers in stagnant ponds/tanks and is sold to the
wholesaler or the processor. The wholesaler, in turn gets them processed into Makhana pop on contractual
basis from some to the households from Mallah community excelling in popping up of Makhana. The
contractual arrangement is that the wholesaler would give three quintals of Guri/Makhana seed and the
processor would give him back one quintal of Makhana pop. In excess of one quintal is retained by the
processor as wages. Wages are thus in the range of Rs. 12 to 15 kg per quintal of processing Makhana to
the wholesaler. In some cases the wholesaler or the processor would obtain Makhana to the wholesaler. In
some cases the wholesaler or the processor would obtain Makhana guris through local agents from distant
places by paying a margin to such local traders.
The Makhana Pop is traded at different levels. Mostly it is from Makhana processor to wholesaler under
tagged arrangements. Sometimes the processor would directly sell to retailers. However this kind of trading
is restricted to the local areas only. The few wholesalers in Madhubani would purchase Makhana pop
directly from the growers/processors. In some cases they get it processed on contact basis from processors
and will hoard the pop in their personal storages. They would sell to wholesaler in Kanpur, Delhi, and
Varanasi etc. as and when the trading is agreed upon. The wholesale traders in Madhubani have also credit-
cum-product inter-linkage in their transactions with wholesalers in Kanpur, Delhi, and Varanasi etc.
From the data collected from traders, it was found that majority of them (55 %) also belonged to business
caste. The other castes associated with makhana marketing are Marwari followed by Koet & Sahni. They
42
were doing the marketing in their own house with the help of permanent hired labour. The wholesale
variations in prices of Makhana in the selected districts in different months of the year are depicted in Figure
below.
The main problems associated with makhana marketing are high transportation cost in selling, less
consumption, long distance of wholesale mandi’s, high fluctuation in rates, no export in gulf countries, and
lack of popularity particularly in South India.
b) Proposed Marketing Channel
After discussing with various farmers, scientists and other eminent experienced persons related to makhana
cultivation it has been decided that, there should be formation of group of processors and cultivators of
makhana which will strengthen their bargaining power and realization of more profit can happen. The group
should be headed by one head/mukhiya which will negotiate the price for the harvest. The harvesting of pop
should occur at one processing plant at block level for its convenience and pop will be stored at one
community based storage house/godown/warehouse which should be constructed by the financial support
43
from government or any financial institution such as bank. The member of this warehouse has to be
registered even non-registered member can also store makhana against which there should be allotment of
receipt of its Lot No. and size. The wholesaler or the small trader will now procure the makhana on
negotiated price by the mukhiya of that group. The negotiated price has to be accepted by all the fellow
members with their internal group discussion. No any member of this group will be allowed to sell their
harvest individually in order to maintain transparency; the traders of all nature need to be registered at
NRCM. The registration of trader at NRCM will help in tracking the production of makhana every year.
The makhana which will be purchased by large trader at different state level and reach to different retailers
across the country.
By adopting this methodology, there will be every possibility where this commodity can enter into future
trading since MSTC has shown keen interest to bring makhana on trading platform due to more demand of
makhana in near future from various pharmaceutical companies. This will harness the medicinal properties
of makhana and finally lead to make this cultivation more profitable venture as it is now. It has been well
discussed by Dr. V.K.Gupta Head, NRCM about the future trading opportunities of makhana pop. The
MSTC has planned for e- auctioning of makhana by bringing together all trader, larger makhana grower,
SHGs and cooperative to accumulate harvested makhana and streamline through one platform.
44
Proposed Marketing Channel flow diagram
c) Value chain analysis, Issues and Interventions
The value chain analysis conducted for various sectors especially in context of makhana have shown
(1) Institutional gaps in the form of either extension services for makhana, paddy or fisheries.
(2) Lack of adequate organized marketing platforms for makhana.
(3) Defunct cooperatives (of makhana producers and fishermen).
(4) Rigidities in existing provisions for state support (such as for leasing out of fish plus makhana
ponds)
(5) Scattered cultivation of makhana
45
(6) Further, physical infrastructural constraints such as lack of adequate procurement centres and
storage godowns, transportable roads, tubewell and boring facilities for watering and electricity for
makhana cultivation and market access in the districts.
(7) Lack of financial institution for boosting the activity of makhana at various levels.
(8) Lack of governmental and institutional support for scaling up the makhana while is the peculiar
and highly value crop grown especially in state of Bihar.
(9) Lack of proper extension activity and penetration of NRC Makhana to all the districts of
Mithilanchal region.
(10) More dominancy of middlemen on procurement activity of makhana and other sectors too
leading to exploitation of farmers and least return on investment.
It is encouraging to note that there have been some recent initiatives by private entrepreneurs in the makhana
sector in the district. The work of “Shakti Sudha” is really commendable through its “Khet Se Bazar
Tak”approach. The world bank funded project JEEViKA is also doing excellent work for better scaling up
strategy to improve the amenable condition for the poor to participate and lease more numbers / acreage of
pond in the pond leasing market (either from the Government owned or Privately owned), Makhana
Productivity enhancement, ensured Buy Back arrangement above all livelihoods improvement of the poor
along with the development in the Makhana sub-sector. Similar proactive steps from private players are
almost absent which need to be critically looked upon by government and highly appreciated by providing
appropriate ambience to florish in stronger way.
Within this gap, the middlemen has emerged as a strong player, be it the procurement of makhana, paddy,
or milk or fish too in some cases. Even the ‘paintings’ sector has seen emergence of middlemen who buy
the institutional space in the name of the poor artists and sell the products in organized fairs, within and
outside Bihar. Needless to say, that in the bargain, the primary producers in these potentially strong areas
of livelihoods continue to live at a low level equilibrium, marked by low productivity, poor inducement for
productivity enhancement and therefore low returns to their outputs. The fisheries sector, though has a
strong potential- as is evident from the topography of the district and also from the largest concentration of
the mallah community – is however in distress and some strong institutional measures are required to allow
it to realize its full potential.
The suggested interventions for promoting rural livelihoods in Madhubani, Darbhanga and adjoining
districts have therefore to be focused on a mix of institutional, infrastructural and policy level interventions.
The rural livelihoods of these districts, shows some strong potentials. The mix of interventions boost to
build on its comparative advantage. In brief, some of these are interventions in terms of capacity building
of primary producers (such as in price negotiation skills for makhana growers, fish farmers), infrastructure
maintenance (such as addressing habitat degradation for enhancing makhana+ fish integrated production),
creation of new infrastructure (such as storage capacity for makhana pop and institutional capacity creation
through setting up cooperatives of makhana growers), improving the extension agencies that could improve
the use of quality production methods (with recommended doses of inputs, including fertilizers). There are
46
important lessons to be drawn for devising interventions that helped push the right product at right time in
right market.
d) Other Problems in Makhana cultivation
(1) Risk and Health Hazards-: Makhana cultivation is exposed to several risk hazards. Decreasing
Production due to drought and flood is the most serious risk hazard. One flood will sweep away the
entire standing makhana plant adversely affecting the output by 50 to 60 per cent. Price risk is still
worse. Seasonal fluctuation as well as yearly fluctuation in the price of Makhana pop is also largely
de motivating the Makhana growers and adversely affecting area as also productivity levels of
Makhana. The health hazard is also equally pertinent since the crop is completely grown in water,
due to continuous exposure to water the case of recurrent fever, cold, snake bite and bruises are the
common problems in males. In female due to continuous exposure to fire and heat dark pigmentation
of skin, decreasing eye-sight, anemia, abortion, burning are very common. The children are
malnourished, weak, high prone to child borne diseases.
(2) Legal Environment-: The production and trade of Makhana Guri and pop fell under the ambit of
several legal acts/provisions viz. Agricultural Produce ( Grading & Marketing) act 1937 and 1986 ;
production of Food Adulteration act1954 , 1964,1976,1986; Standards of Weights and Measures
Act 1976; Consumer Protection Act 1986; Bureau of India Standards Act 1986 and Food Product
Order 1955, 1977. However the application of these acts in Makhana production as well trade was
completely absent. The farmers were free to sell their output to any one at any place. Similarly, the
wholesalers were freely trading Makhana pop.
(3) Value Addition-: Makhana pop is consumed mostly in raw pop form with different end uses. The
makhana pop is known across the India for use in religious purposes. The secondary processing of
Makhana pop into snacks food or any other product is almost absent, as only few small Makhana
processing units at Madhubani, Katihar, Purnia and Patna are operating with small capacity. Few of
them have been closed for variety of reasons. The one which is at Patna is making very handsome
business out of value addition activity but the numbers of such units are negligible. With not even
one per cent of Makhana pop being used for secondary processing into snacks food, Pudding etc.
the value additions through secondary processing in Makhana has immense potential and yet to be
harnessed.
(4) Segments of Demand Absorptions-: The data on the existing end-use of Makhana pop by segments
as is not available whereas it is assumed that its current consumption, absorption is more in socio-
religious functions as also sweetmeat and industrial use. Its presence in the export market is virtually
absent. Value addition or high product innovations are not common and its promotion is required.
(5) Awareness at consumer end-: It has also seen that apart from Bihar, UP, West Bengal, some parts
of Assam, MP, Orissa, the crop is almost unpopular among large segment of southern India. The
need and importance of this crop has to be realized by proper dissemination and awareness towards
consumers end. It is considered that if consumers will be aware about the benefits of this highly
nutritive crop the demand for makhana will amplify with in no time and ultimately farmers will be
benefited.
47
e) Demand projection of Makhana
The demand in foreign and domestic market particularly in the European and American Countries are
increasing gradually due to realization of its medicinal and nutritive properties. It has been established that
a cup of makhana drink can provide the better energy and caloric requirement then the various fortified
drinks available in the market. It is considered as very important constituent to feed pregnant women as a
source of Iron, free from Fat. This helps in reducing cholesterol problem and cases of obesity. It is
traditionally in high demand during the time of Durga Puja festival in Mithilanchal because of a local ritual
named as “Kojagra” this ritual is centered on gifting of Makhana pop from newlywed couple families. It is
felt that even if it captures 10% of the existing snacks and fortified drinks market it will absorb a large part
of the Makhana pop production. According to rough estimation it is expected that in the subsequent years
the demand for Makhana pop would remain stagnant for socio-religious functions as also sweetmeat
industry. But it may witness 100-200% growth in the snacks food segment as also pharmaceutical,
medicinal segment. This can easily be validated by the demand of makhana pop by MSTC (A Govt. of India
Enterprise) to introduce makhana on e-Auctioning platform.
Chapter-5
Recommendations
48
On the basis of all the discussion and problems which are identified throughout the study following
recommendations can be put forth;
� GI status should be granted to Bihar on the basis of extensive cultivation practices and fulfillment
of country demand by 80-85% by single state. This will not only strengthen the livelihood and
income generation to growers but will fortify the economy of the state as a whole.
� Syndicate efforts should be made by NRCM (ICAR) and Bihar govt. through JEEViKA for capacity
building, streamlining the leasing market for the fishermen/mallah community and develop a
strategy to work on accessing water-bodies through institutional mechanism such as Self Help
Group (as per current fishery Gazette on leasing) or Cooperatives formed through 1935 act or 1996
act.
� Services such as soil and water testing, gap-filling, re-transplantation, measures for pest control,
training & exposure at critical stages will be imparted in the farmers’ field approach by the
experienced makhana farmers, village resource persons, scientist at their door-step.
� Adopting the suggested Marketing channel model as pilot basis to assess its performance and
reliability.
� Reduce the technological gap, improve value chain by various interventions.
� Adoption of Field based Makhana-Rice crop intensification approach especially in districts like
Madhubani and Darbhanga.
� Inviting big retail players such as Reliance, Aditya Birla, Future Group for more assured return to
the makhana grower.
� Develop the scaling up strategy to improve the amenable condition for the poor to participate and
lease more numbers / acreage of pond in the pond leasing market (either from the Government
owned or Privately owned), Makhana Productivity enhancement, ensured Buy Back arrangement
and above all livelihoods improvement of the poor along with the development in the Makhana sub-
sector.
� Integrated Fish cum Makhana Cultivation should be promoted which will play vital role in
livelihood enhancement of poor Makhana growers.
� Mechanization of harvesting, post harvesting and processing is required. NRC has already
developed mechanized system of makhana pop processing. This has to be established at block level
and integration of farmers should be done.
� Institutional credit facilities at two intervals such as during leasing of pond/land and irrigation are
required.
� Promoting the concept of e-Auctioning initiated by MSTC (A Govt. of India Enterprise).
49
� As there is very less application of chemicals and fertilizers so this crop can be taken as Organic
produce and its promotion is required accordingly among the consumers. The consumers should be
made aware of its nutritional and medicinal benefits.
� The Agri- Export Zone Hazipur, could be widened to include export promotion of Makhana
products as well under partnership of makhana growers/processors, value adding processing firms
to get fiscal incentives in terms of tax concessions under the schemes of government of India.
50
Conclusion
The present study indicates that rural livelihoods in the select districts of Bihar are still dominated within
the agrarian structure. Alongside, a number of allied activities (farm based/off farm/non-farm) are also
positioned as secondary sources of livelihoods. In the districts such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar,
Purnia, and Araria the makhana production has taken the shape of main farm activity is considered as the
prime source of income generation activity. But the present situation by the study revealed the lacuna or the
short-coming associated with it. Still the socio-economic condition of mallah community is down-trodden
with lack of basic infrastructural facility, governmental apathy, traditional old aged marketing structure, no
established formal system of trade practices and many more. This study tried to focus all those issues and
found out the main solution that is if the GI status to makhana is given to Bihar will certainly gather the
attention of all the stakeholder and government to focus on its upgradation. The varying forms of micro
level household behaviour in terms of their livelihoods strategy however indicate a common behaviour, viz:
dependence on agriculture (cultivation of foodgrains – cereals/coarse) to address the issue of household
level food security coupled with at least one secondary occupation, that ensures some cash flow to meet the
daily requirements of non-food items in the household consumption basket.
The factors that emerged as constraints in the realizing higher gains along the value chain of the key
sectors/activities of livelihoods in the various sectors may be broadly classified as technical and
institutional. The interventions, therefore, have also been suggested accordingly, with varying combinations
of technical and institutional measures for the different sectors in the select districts. However, the study
also shows that in order to address the basic livelihoods question at present in the five districts, the
institutional interventions may have to be taken on a priority basis, so that adequate base is created among
the key players to absorb the technical interventions. It is the institutional interventions that would help
define the willingness of the poor marginal households to absorb the technical inputs so as to move to a
higher output, employment and income trajectory.
The establishment of improved marketing channel will certainly bring more prosperity to the makhana
grower and the fishermen communities. Till now the farmers were on receiving end of what they will get
has to contend with it but a new cluster approach/group approach will uplift them and their position from
receiver to supplier. The role of middlemen has to be shortened by introduction of retail companies has also
been proposed through this study.
The gender issues has also been elaborately discussed through the study which will pertain the need of
introducing financial institution, establishment of SHGs and congenial mode through which they can sustain
with this activity for the future to come.
The recommendations made in the study has to be well brain-stormed and brought into reality which will
be best fit for the income generation activity of makhana growers.
Annexure
51
Annexure.1- Schedule of Lease holder, Sub-lease holder, Primary Processor
Annexure.2- Schedule of Makhana Trader
Annexure.3- Schedule of RCER-ICAR, NRC Makhana, Scientist
Annexure.4- Maps of Madhubani, Darbhanga, Katihar, Purnia, Araria
Annexure.5- Some of the photos of visits to makhana cultivators.
Project Theme-: GI Portfolio Analysis for Enhanced Income of Makhana Producers in Bihar
52
PART-1: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESPONDENT
Respondent Category: - A- LH, B- SLH, C- PP 1. Name of study center
2. Respondent Name-:
Village details 1.Village:
2. District:
3. Block:
2. Respondent’s details* 1. Age --- 2. Family size----- 3.Edu. Qual. Code---- 4. Sex- M / F (1=M, 2=F)
3. Category of farmer on the
basis of land with him
Small-1 Semi-medium-2 Medium-3 Large-4 No Land- 5
4. One main farmg. activity
(Tick)
Cropping-1; Horticulture-2; Animal husbandry-3; Fisheries-4; Sole Makhana cultivation-
5; Fish+ Makhana-6
5. Other farm activity Cropping-1; Horticulture-2; Animal husbandry-3; Fisheries-4; Sole Makhana cultivation-
5: Fish+ Makhana-6
6. Type of pond 1. Own--------2. Leased--------- 3. Sub-leased……. 4. SHG run___ 5. LH+SLH____
7. How do you take lease 1. Group______ 2. Individual______ 3. Both____
8. Nos. of ponds taken 1. One___ 2. Two____ 3. Three____ 4. Four____ 5. More____ 6. Farming Land____
9. Total area of pond (s) in
acre
1. One___ 2. Two____ 3. Three____ 4. Four____ 5. More_______
10. Source of lease pond 1. LH___ 2. Govt.___ 3. Coop.____ 4. SHG____ 5. Any other____ 6. Govt.+ Private____
11. Whether you do makhana
activity with your family or
friends
1. Y_____ 2. N______
12. If “YES” how many
members with you
1. _____ 2.______ 3. ______ 4. _____ 5. More _______
* Educational Qualification code: Illiterate -I; Primary-P; Secondary- S; Intermediate-In; Graduate-G,
# Farmer category class: Small (1-2 ha); Semi-medium (>2-4 ha); Medium (>4-10 ha); Large (>10 ha)
13. Govt. Lease
rates
2010 2009 2008
Lease type
Group/
Individual
Rates/ acre Lease type
Group/
Individual
Rates/ acre Lease type
Group/
Individual
Rates/ acre
PART- II: CULTIVATION PRACTICES FOLLOWED IN MAKHANA
14. Whether you purchase seeds 1. Y_____ 2. N_____
53
15. If “YES” how often 1. Every year (E) ___ 2. Two year (T) _____ 3. More (M) ____
16. Requirement of seed/ acre
17. Variety growing, source of seed 1. NRC____ 2. Govt./Co-op.____ 3. Middlemen____ 4. Farm Neighbor
_____ 5. Others____
18. Whether you apply fertilizers 1. Y____ 2. N_____
19. If “YES” quantity(Kg/acre) and month of
application
1. Quantity
2. Month (s)
20. Source from where fertilizers are purchased 1. Own purchased____ 2. Lease holder supplied____
21. For what you apply fertilizers 1. Makhana_____ 2. Fish____ 3. Both____
22. Do you do integrated farming (Fish+
Makhana)
1. Y____ 2. N_____
23. Whether you apply pesticides 1. Y_____ 2. N_____
24. If “YES” how often 1. Every year (E) ___ 2. Two year (T) _____ 3. More (M) ____
25. If “YES” Quantity(Kg or Lit./acre) and
month of application
1. Quantity
2. Month (s)
26. If “NO” then what method adopted to
eradicate pest problem
27. Source from where pesticides are purchased 1. Own purchased____ 2. Lease holder supplied____
28. Whether you apply organic manures 1. Y_____ 2. N_____
29. If “YES” how often 1. Every year (E) ___ 2. Two year (T) _____ 3. More (M) ____
30. If “YES” Quantity(Kg/acre) and month of
application
1. Quantity
2. Month (s)
31. What are the other intercultural operations
followed by you during cultivation (If any)
32. Major problems in makhana cultivation 0. Can’t Say___ 1. Insect/pests____ 2. Disease____ 3. Weed____ 4.
Any other____
33. Details of problems 1.
2.
3.
4.
PART- III: POST HARVEST ACTIVITIES IN MAKHANA CULTIVATION
54
34. Do you sell guri/ pop? 1. Y____ 2. N____
35. If “YES” to whom? 1. LH____ 2. Wholesaler____ 3. Small Trader_____ 4. Corporate___ 5. Direct Consumer____
36. If “NO” then what do you do?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
37. Who decides the price? 1. Yourself_____ 2. Producer Group____ 3. LH____ 4. Co-op.____ 5. Company____ 6. Trader_____
38. Whether you do any grading? 1. Y____ 2. N____
39. If “YES” what are the grades?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
40. Do you know any formal grading method to categorize makhana in different categories? 1. Y_____2. N______
41. If “YES” Who determine the grades? 1. You___ 2. LH____ 3. Coop. ____ 4. Company___ 4. Traders____
42. Give description of grades
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
43. Are you member of any Union/Association related to makhana? 1. Y_____ 2. N_____
44. If “YES” What is the level it works? 1. Village___ 2. Block____ 3. District____ 4. State_____
45. If “YES” What is the nature of Union/ association? 1. Govt. approved___ 2. Coop.___ 3. SHGs____ 4. Informal
groups_____
46. Whether you do any packaging? 1. Y____ 2. N____
47. If “YES” then for what? 1. Small Packaging sale___ 2. Bulk Packaging sale____ 3. Kuccha Packaging____ 4. For
transportation only____
48. Do you prepare any indigenous value added products? 1. Y____ 2. N____
49. If “YES” give details
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
50. Whether any SHGs/NGOs/Social activist help you in makhana cultivation? 1. Y_____2. N_____
51. If” YES” in what processes? 1. Production____ 2. Processing____ 3. Marketing____ 4. All the above____
52. Do you have any saving account in banks/post office in your name? 1. Y____ 2. N____
53. Why are you in makhana cultivation, processing?
(1) It is my tradition family job.
(2) I do not have any other things to do better.
(3) I make good profit out of it.
(4) Any other (specify)
55
54. What is your satisfaction level from profit earned from makhana activity? 1. Very Good____ 2. Good____ 3. Satisfactory___
4. Not Good___
55. Any suggestion to improve profit by makhana activity.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
56. Have you entered contract farming with trader/company? 1. Y_____2. N_____
57. If “YES” then, are the terms and conditions specified? 1. Y_____2. N_____
58. If “YES” What are the terms and conditions?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PART- IV: TECHNOLOGICAL GAPS
59. Do you need any new variety of makhana? 1. Y____2. N____ 3. Can’t Say____
60. If” YES” with what characteristics?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
61. Are you satisfied with production/ problems of makhana? 1. Y____2. N____ 3. Can’t Say____
62. If” NO” please give suggestion to improve?
(1) Production _______________________________________________________________________________________
(2) Harvesting _______________________________________________________________________________________
(3) Processing _______________________________________________________________________________________
63. Do you know the work of NRC Makhana at Darbhanga? 1. Y____2. N____
64. Have you ever visited NRC Makhana? 1. Y____2. N_____
PART- V: GENDER ISSUES
65. What practical need do you feel should be urgently brought in cultivation of makhana?
1. Introduction of financial institution____ 2. Any technology for better/efficient harvesting of guri___ 3. Better
processing machine for maximum recovery of pop____ 4. Specify any other____
66. Is there any Women SHGs are formed and working in strengthening makhana cultivation? 1. Y____2. N___
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
67. What are your other activities apart from makhana cultivation during In & off-season? (Men/Women)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
68. In what mode you find easier in cultivating makhana? 1. Self lease on Govt. pond 2. Under middlemen 3. Contact farming
with company 4. Cooperative farming 5. Any other
PART- VI: SOCIO-EQUITY ISSUE
69. Types of family: 1. Nuclear (N) 2. Joint (J)
56
70. Family annual income details:
Items Rs.
(1) Agriculture
(2) Livestock
(3) Wages
(4) Govt./ Private Jobs
(5) Business
(6) Others
TOTAL
71. Do you have any vehicle registered in your name? 1. Y____2. N____
72. If” YES” what? 1. Two Wheeler____ 2. Car____ 3. Tractor_____
73. Did you injured/fall sick in last three years while cultivating/ harvesting/ processing makhana? 1. Y____ 2. N____
74. If” YES” how many times in three year? 1. One___ 2. Two___ 3. Three____ 4. More_____ 5. Every Year_____
75. Did you have your health insurance? 1. Y____2. N____
76. Did you have crop insurance for any crop cultivated? 1. Y___ 2. N____
77. If” YES” How you come to know about this?
78. Did you have any insurance for makhana production/ processing? 1. Y____2. N____
Traders Schedule
PART- I TRADERS PROFILE
1. Name of trader-
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Address:-
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Tel.:-
4. Year of establishment:-
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Name of the enterprise:-
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Nature of trade:- 1. Local/Village level 2. Regional 3. National 4. International
57
PART- II TREND OF MAKHANA AVAILABILITY
{Respondent Category: - A- Lease Holder (LH), B- Sub-Lease Holder (SLH), C- Private Player (PP)}
7. Sl.
No.
Year Availability (Qt)
1. 2010
2. 2009
3. 2008
8. From where do you procure makhana? 1. LH___ 2. SLH___ 3. Co-op.___ 4. SHGs___ 5. Middle level___ 6. Others___
9. Do you finance makhana producer? 1. Y____ 2. N____
10. If “YES” to Whom? ______________________________________________________________________________________________
11. How many SLH associated with you? 1. 0___ 2. 1-5___ 3. 6-8___ 4. >8
12. Do you procure as per grades? 1. Y___ 2. N____
13. If “YES” What are the grades? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Do you sell makhana under your brand name? 1. Y____ 2. N____
15. Do you do any packaging? 1. Y____ 2. N____
16. Do you do any grading? 1. Y____ 2. N____
17. Do you store makhana? 1. Y___ 2. N____
18. Whether any specific grade/ Variety are in high demand? 1. Y____ 2. N____
19. If “YES” Specify the grade/variety, what are its characteristics, from which district/block it comes?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
20. Whether makhana is sold on some grade basis or class basis? 1. Grade basis 2. Class basis
21. If “YES” then (1) Grade Name-: (2) Criteria-: 1. Size___ 2. Color___ 3. Chemical constituent___ 4. Any other____ (3) Who does the grading-: 1. LH___ 2. SLH___ 3. PP___ 4. Small Trader___ 5. Large Trader___ 6. Company___ 7. Co-
Op.___ 8. SHGs____ 9. Any other___
22. Do you sell to bigger retail players like Reliance, ABRL 1.Y___ 2. N____
58
Questionnaire for NRC Darbhanga/ ICAR complex Patna/ Scientists
1. Name of the Scientists/concerned person:- ______________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Designation:- ______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Personal Tel. No.
4. E-mail ID:- ______________________________________________________________________________________________
PART- I DETAIL ABOUT MAKHANA
5. Collect secondary information what is makhana, its package of practices, list of research report, Annual report and Newsletter.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Total numbers of varieties developed? 1. One____ 2. Two____ 3. Three____ 4. Four____
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
59
7. Characteristics of top three varieties?
Varieties Name Characteristics
8. Numbers of technologies for harvesting developed? 1. One____ 2. Two____ 3. Three____ 4. Four____
9. Characteristics of top three technologies?
Technologies Name Characteristics
10. How many grading methodologies for makhana? 1. One____ 2. Two____ 3. Three____ 4. Four____
11. Characteristics of top three grading methodologies?
Grading Name Characteristics
12. What and how many are the different types of packaging for makhana?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Characteristics of top three packaging methodologies?
Packaging Name Characteristics
14. What are the value addition possibilities available in makhana?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
15. Characteristics of top three value added technologies?
Value added technologies Characteristics
16. How many standardization technologies available? 1. One____ 2. Two____ 3. Three____ 4. Four____
17. Characteristics of top three Standardization technologies?
Standardization technologies Characteristics
60
18. How many numbers of technologies developed for processing? 1. One____ 2. Two____ 3. Three____ 4. Four____
19. Characteristics of top three Processing technologies?
Processing technologies Characteristics
20. What are the present quality standards for deciding grades of makhana?
Sl. No. Particulars Quality Standards
1. Size
2. Colour
3. Packaging
4. Storage
5. Chemical residue
6. Tests
7. Trade Marks
8. Certificates
21. Any gender friendly technologies developed. 1. Y____ 2. N____
22. If “YES” give details
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
23. Is there any activity done for strengthening Supply Chain by NRC Makhana/ICAR complex Patna? 1. Y____ 2. N____
24. Rank the different models on the basis of priority which are existing or may exist in future and state it’s Strength & Weakness?
{Priority Rank-: (1-4) 1- Excellent, 2- Very Good, 3- Good, 4- Worst}
Model Priority Rank
STRENGTH WEAKNESS
(a) Contract Farming 1.
2.
1.
2.
(b) Producer Company 1.
2.
1.
2.
(c) SHGs 1.
2.
1.
2.
(d) Co-Operative 1. 1.
61
2. 2.
25. What are the activities done for the maximization of profit to Sub-lease holder or Lease holder? (SLH/LH)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
26. Rank the different models on the basis of priority which are existing or may exist in future and state it’s Strength & Weakness?
{Priority Rank-: (1-4) 1- Excellent, 2- Very Good, 3- Good, 4- Worst}
Model Priority Rank
STRENGTH WEAKNESS
(a) Contract Farming 1.
2.
1.
2.
(b) Producer Company 1.
2.
1.
2.
(c) SHGs 1.
2.
1.
2.
(d) Co-Operative 1.
2.
1.
2.
62
63
Map of Araria
64
65
66
67
Reference
Garg, A.K (2007), ‘PROJECT REPORT ON EXPORT PROMOTIONOF MAKHANA FROM BIHAR’,
www.unctadindia.org/Studies_ExportPromotionOfMakhanaFromBihar.pdf
R. N. Mandal, G. S. Saha, and N. Sarangi, ‘Harvest and processing of Makhana: unique indigenous
techniques of the indigenous peoples’, www.compasnet.org/afbeeldingen/Revised%20Ms.pdf
(2007) ‘BIHAR RURAL LIVELIHOOD PROJECT LIVELIHOODS STUDY AND VALUE CHAIN
ANALYSIS’, www.brlp.in/.../Livelihoods%20and%20Value%20Chain%20Analysis.pdf
‘SEERP major Activity’, www.icarrcer.org/activities/socionew.pdf
http://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.brandbihar.com/images/maps/Purnea%2520-
map.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.brandbihar.com/english/districts/purnea/blocks_purnea.html&usg=__h3wFzrxlv
WNf95OjUkmHSuDa9M0=&h=532&w=660&sz=152&hl=en&start=21&zoom=1&tbnid=r_ApC_N7BVJx0M:&tbnh=1
29&tbnw=159&ei=OCGrTci1HIHyvQPszvH8CQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpurnia%2Bdistrict%2Bmap%26hl%3Den%2
6biw%3D1503%26bih%3D582%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch0%2C224&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=995&vpy=362&dur=1
249&hovh=145&hovw=180&tx=133&ty=108&oei=GSGrTYOvMIrYrQeEtPinCA&page=2&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:5,
s:21&biw=1503&bih=582
http://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://brandbihar.com/images/maps/arariya-
map.jpg&imgrefurl=http://brandbihar.com/english/districts/araria/map%2520of%2520araria.html&usg=__5m9YI
En642fOP7TVmzEVaIS6EUs=&h=827&w=660&sz=328&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=QPICd94goAc9oM:&tbnh=
152&tbnw=121&ei=dSGrTebUFcHrrQfvo4inCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3DAraria%2Bdistrict%2Bmap%26hl%3Den%2
6biw%3D1503%26bih%3D582%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch0%2C56&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=343&vpy=150&dur=18
07&hovh=251&hovw=201&tx=85&ty=114&oei=dSGrTebUFcHrrQfvo4inCA&page=1&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0
&biw=1503&bih=582
http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&biw=1503&bih=582&gbv=2&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=katihar+district+map&a
q=f&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=
http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&biw=1503&bih=582&gbv=2&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=Darbhanga+district+ma
p&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=
http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&biw=1503&bih=582&gbv=2&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=Madhubani+district+ma
p&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=
Photos courtesy, Dr. Gupta.V.K, Dr. Lokendra, National Research Centre on Makhana, Darbahnga