Phool dev Shahni's family has long been involved in harvesting makhanas, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, from the depths of muddy ponds in northeastern India. Makhanas are prized for their nutritional value, being rich in B vitamins, protein, and fiber, and are considered a superfood.
In the past, Shahni would dive 7-8 feet deep into the ponds for hours to gather the seeds that form in pods underwater. This was an arduous process, with mud and thorns causing discomfort and skin issues. However, in recent years, the cultivation process has changed, and makhanas are now often grown in shallow fields rather than deep ponds.
This shift to shallower water has made the harvesting much easier for Shahni, allowing him to collect twice as many makhanas in a day. While it is still hard work, Shahni takes pride in his family's traditional occupation and hopes to pass it down to one of his three children, ensuring the legacy of makhana farming continues.
The transition from deep pond harvesting to shallow field cultivation has transformed the makhana industry in northeastern India, making it more accessible and profitable for farmers like Shahni.
Dr. Manoj Kumar, a senior scientist at the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), has been a key driver behind the transformation of makhana (fox nut) cultivation in northeastern India. About a decade ago, he recognized the limitations of traditional pond-based makhana farming and set out to develop new cultivation techniques.
Through research and experimentation, Dr. Kumar helped pioneer the growing of makhana lilies in shallow fields rather than deep ponds. This innovation has made makhana farming much more accessible, as it no longer requires workers to toil for hours in deep, muddy water. Additionally, the NRCM has developed more resilient and productive makhana seed varieties, which Dr. Kumar says has tripled farmers' incomes.
These advancements have been a boon for farmers like Dhirendra Kumar, who had previously struggled with traditional crop cultivation prone to flood damage. Drawn to the profitability of makhana farming, Dhirendra converted part of his family's land to grow the crop, earning a sizable profit in his first year.
The shift to field-based makhana cultivation has also opened up new employment opportunities, particularly for women. Farmers like Dhirendra now employ local women to assist with sowing the makhana seeds, providing steady work in an industry that has become increasingly attractive.
Through the efforts of innovators like Dr. Manoj Kumar, makhana farming has transformed from a labor-intensive, pond-based endeavor to a more accessible, profitable, and job-creating industry. This evolution has helped farmers in northeastern India adapt to the challenges of uncertain weather and crop losses, showcasing the potential of agricultural innovation to drive rural development.
Dr. Manoj Kumar, a senior scientist at the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), has spearheaded the transformation of makhana (fox nut) cultivation in northeastern India. About a decade ago, he recognized the limitations of the traditional pond-based approach and set out to develop innovative farming techniques.
Through rigorous research and experimentation, Dr. Kumar helped pioneer the growing of makhana lilies in shallow fields rather than deep ponds. This breakthrough has made makhana farming much more accessible, as it no longer requires laborers to toil for hours in deep, muddy waters. Furthermore, the NRCM has developed more resilient and productive makhana seed varieties, which Dr. Kumar claims has tripled farmers' incomes.
These advancements have been a boon for farmers like Dhirendra Kumar, who had previously struggled with traditional crops prone to flood damage. Drawn to the profitability of makhana farming, Dhirendra converted part of his family's land, earning a sizable profit in his very first year.
The shift to field-based makhana cultivation has also opened up new employment opportunities, particularly for women. Farmers like Dhirendra now employ local women to assist with sowing the makhana seeds, providing steady work in an industry that has become increasingly attractive.
Through the innovative efforts of scientists like Dr. Manoj Kumar, makhana farming has transformed from a labor-intensive, pond-based endeavor to a more accessible, profitable, and job-creating industry. This evolution has helped farmers in northeastern India adapt to the challenges of uncertain weather and crop losses, showcasing the potential of agricultural innovation to drive rural development.
Reference: Priti G. (13 Aug, 2024) Rapid Spread of Nutrient-Dense Crop in Northern Indian Farmlands
Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crge77e9j19o The 'superfood' taking over fields in northern India
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