Export of Value-Added Flavoured Makhana
Prelims:
Agriculture
Mains:
GS Paper III-Agriculture,
Food Processing
Current relevance:
The Agricultural
and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured Makhana
(fox nuts) from Darbhanga, Bihar, to Canada.
Highlights:
1.
The initiative
aims to expand Bihar's value-added agricultural exports and strengthen
its presence in international markets.
2. Benefits to Farmers:
i.
The export of
value-added flavoured Makhana has enabled associated farmers to realise over
50% higher returns.
ii.
It
demonstrates the potential of processing, branding and export-oriented value
addition in improving the competitiveness of India's agricultural products
and integrating farmers with global value chains.
3. About Makhana:
i.
Makhana, commonly known as Fox Nut, is the dried
edible seed of the prickly water lily, often referred to as the "Black
Diamond."
ii.
It is native
to South-East Asia and China and is now distributed across several parts
of the world.
iii.
It grows best
in regions receiving an annual rainfall of 100–250 cm and requires smooth
loamy soil for optimum cultivation.
iv.
Bihar
contributes nearly 90% of India's
Makhana production.
v.
Besides Bihar,
it is cultivated in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura and Odisha, as
well as in Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan and Korea.
vi.
Gained
popularity as a nutrient-rich superfood owing to its rich nutritional
profile, being low in fat, high in protein, and an ideal healthy snack.
vii.
Health Benefits:
·
It is high
in fibre, has a low glycaemic index, and contains phytochemical
constituents.
·
It contains very
little fat and is rich in protein.
·
It helps in
managing high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
·
Its high
calcium content and low saturated fat support bone and muscle health.
·
Its low
sodium and high potassium content contribute to better cardiac
health.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2292004®=48&lang=1