Lok Sabha Question No. 3650 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Makhana Cultivation
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Gopal Jee Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3650

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  AUGUST, 2021

## MAKHANA CULTIVATION

3650.  SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether makhana is the major crop of Mithila and through proper development and trading (branding and marketing) of makhana, the problem of poverty and migration of people from this area can be solved;
- (b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  restore  national  status  to  Makhana  Research Centre located in Darbhanga for proper development and research;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the same will be achieved;
- (d) whether  80  to  90  per  cent  of  the  total  production  of  makhana  in  the  country  is produced in Mithila; and
- (e) if so, whether the Government proposes to conduct research on makhana which is full of nutrients and medicinal properties?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF AGRICUTLRURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री ( SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR )

(a) to (e): Makhana is  a  major  crop  of  Mithila  region  in  Bihar.    In  order  to  promote  its trading (branding and marketing), the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing a  centrally  sponsored  scheme  namely  'PM  Formalisation  of  Micro  Food  Processing Enterprises (PMFME)' for providing financial, technical and business support for upgradation of  micro  food  processing  enterprises  under  Atmanirbhar  Bharat  Abhiyan.  The  scheme  is operational for the period of 5 years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore.    To  upgrade  existing  units  or  to  set  up  new  micro  units  for  individuals  is  provided through a credit linked grant @35% with maximum grant of Rs. 10 lakhs.  The scheme also provides  support  to  food  processing  units  of  SHGs/FPOs/Cooperatives  for  Infrastructure, Marketing,  Branding  and  Capacity  Building.    Makhana  is  considered  as  major  crop  under ODOP (One District One Product) of 6 districts viz. Araria, Darbhanga, Katihar, Madhubani, Saharsa and Supaul for the benefit of farmers. The scheme envisages support for ODOP products to new units whether individuals or groups. Under the scheme, support for common

O.I.H.

infrastructure,  R&D  and  marketing  &  branding  activities  is  available  to  ODOP  products. Support  for  marketing  and  branding  is  envisaged  for  ODOP  products  @  50%  of  the  total expenditure to groups of FPOs/SHGs/Cooperatives or micro food processing enterprises at district, regional or state level.  Mithila including Semanchal is currently contributing for 8090% of makhana production.

Regional Centre of ICAR - RCER at Darbhanga is involved in carrying out research on  makhana  including  makhana  /  aquaculture  based  farming  system.    Further,  ICAR  is planning to strengthen the research activities through development of high yielding varieties, mechanisation of makhana cultivation and post harvesting processing techniques.

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