After focussing attention on J&K’s apple orchids, co-op behemoth Nafed has turned its attention to makhana, produced on large scale in the Mithila region of North Bihar.
And the results of Nafed efforts were visible at International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan where flavored Makhana was launched, capturing the attention of those who know its worth.
Nafed tweeted from its official handle saying “Flavored Makhana was launched by Atulyam Multistate Cooperative Society at the NAFED Pavillon, IITF 2021, today. This will enhance the livelihood opportunities of Makhana growers of the Mithilanchal and Seemanchal areas of Bihar. NAFED is committed to farmers’ welfare.
In a systematic manner, Nafed is helping Makhana growers in the districts of Darbhanga and Madhubani to organize themselves in FPOs and cultivate makhana in a professional way.
Talking during the AGM of Nacof recently held at the NCUI headquarters, Nafed MD Sanjiv Chadha said that makhana has huge demands not only in India but also abroad. Interestingly, the district of Madhubani is home to the crop which is currently being produced in a non-scientific manner. With Nafed’s help, production can reach great heights benefitting thousands of farmers associated with the produce, added Chadha.
Nafed is helping farmers form FPOs so that they can get benefits from the govt and expand their production. The co-op giant is also enlisting the support of Agri scientists for the introduction of best practices among makhana farmers.
“Our aim is also to find export markets for the farmers and we indeed aim very big so far as makhana production is concerned, said a Nafed official involved with the project. Makhana has a huge market abroad and we only need to connect properly, he added.
Earlier, Nafed signed MoU with the J&K govt to rejuvenate apple orchids, among others. The infrastructure created per this MOU is expected to increase the productivity of apple in the valley by 4 times and reduce the post-harvest losses by 50%.
It will not only improve the income of the farmers but will also provide quality products to the end consumers. Presently India is ranked eighth in the global apple production. The existing apple productivity level of 11 per hectare in J&K is far below the level of 40 per hectare in countries like Chile, France, Italy, and others.
Through these initiatives, India is set to emerge as the leading producer of apples in the world. The production and infrastructural development will also improve the export prospects of apples from the valley, besides creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for the youth.
Nafed sees similar dreams for makhana farmers of Bihar, claimed Nafed officials.