"New Mechanism for the processing of the Makhana is developed"

Mechanism for the processing of Makhana is developed

Makhana (Fox nut or Gorgon nut)

is used widely for the consumption purpose in many parts of the world. But only few knows that the processing of the Makhana requires high manpower. There has been no existing technology in India that could had made the processing easier.

Technology

A complete processing system for the processing of the Makhana has been developed by ICAR's Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and technology (CIPHET).

The Small unit for producing 12kg makhana per hour costs 15 lakhs.

Roasted Makhana

The process which used to take 2 to 3 days to complete ,now could be completed in just 20 hours.

Though the Mechanism is well functional the poor fisherman still find it very costly, as the cost involved in this method is 50Rs per kg costlier than the traditional method.

Bihar's Role 

Bihar is the largest producer of Makhana. About 5 lakh families are directly involved in makhana cultivation, and selling.

Makhana Cultivation

In Bihar alone it is grown in about 15,000 hectare water bodies.

The Output of the Makhana is around 7,500-10,000 tonne per year.

Other states where makhana is also grown includes Assam, West Bengal, Tripura and Odisha.

Subsidy

Bihar government is also giving the Subsidy in establishing this processing plant.

Conclusion

The traditional method takes a lot of time and involves manpower for the processing of the makhana. Due to this new mechanism the processing of the makhana has been made easier,

The Demand of the makhana is very high with respect to the production, thus many other states such as Madhya Pradesh , Himanchal Pradesh, Telangana, Hariyana, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh has also shown interest in the cultivation of the Makhana.