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Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Makhana
Context:
The Bihar government has urged the Centre to declare a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana, a significant aquatic crop cultivated across 10 districts in Bihar.
About Makhana:
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- Common names: Makhana, lotus seeds, Fox nut, and Gorgon nut.
- Botanical name: Euryale ferox Salisb.
- Family: Nymphaeaceae.
- Origin: South-East Asia and China.
- Growth conditions: Aquatic crops requiring stagnant water bodies, thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.
- Distribution: Initially focused on tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast and East Asia, and has expanded to countries like Japan, Korea, Russia, North America, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Climate Suitability:
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- Temperature Range: Between 20 to 35 ℃ for optimal growth.
- Humidity: Levels of 50%-90% are favourable for makhana cultivation.
- Rainfall Requirements: Annual rainfall ranges from 100 to 250 cm.
- Water Conditions: It grows best in water bodies with less than 50% water transparency and 0.2-2 meters depth.
Major cultivation areas:
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- India: Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.
- Commercial production is concentrated in North Bihar, Manipur, parts of West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
- India: Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.
Nutritional Value:
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- Rich nutrient profile: High in fibre, protein, and essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- Low glycemic index: Slowly absorbed by the body, preventing blood sugar spikes. Beneficial for diabetics.
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin B1 and carotene.
- Traditional medicine: Used in Ayurveda and TCM for various ailments including weight management, sleep disorders, digestive issues, kidney problems, and bone health.
Global Demand:
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- Makhana has gained global popularity in recent years.
- Diverse product offerings: Various flavours (peri peri, roasted, caramel, chocolate) cater to different tastes.
- Target market: Health-conscious consumers including vegans, vegetarians, and those on gluten-free diets.
- Key export markets: United States, European Union (Spain, Netherlands, Germany, France), New Zealand, Australia, and Korea.
- Economic importance: Known as the “Black Diamond” due to its nutritional and medicinal value. Increased demand has created business opportunities and improved livelihoods for farmers and related industries.
Indian Makhana Production
- Primary production state: Bihar.
- Major producing districts: Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, and Katihar.
- It constitutes the One District One Product (ODOP) category for the Darbhanga district.
- Concentration of production: 80% of processed makhana comes from Madhubani, Darbhanga, Purnia, and Saharsa