Makhana, often referred to as "the superfood," is a nutrient-rich and versatile snack with a plethora of health benefits. These popped lotus seeds have been a traditional part of Indian cuisine for centuries and are gaining global recognition for their unique qualities. Makhana is naturally low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It is also a great source of essential minerals, particularly magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Additionally, makhana is gluten-free and can be an ideal option for individuals with dietary restrictions.
The main producer states of makhana in India include Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. These regions are known for their extensive lotus cultivation, contributing significantly to the makhana industry.
Bimal Raturi's startup idea centered around makhana presents an exciting opportunity to leverage the growing popularity of this superfood. His project aims to establish a modern processing facility that can source, process, and package makhana to meet the increasing demand in both domestic and international markets. By focusing on quality, innovation, and eco-friendly practices, this venture seeks to create a brand synonymous with the finest makhana products, promoting healthier snacking choices while supporting local lotus farmers and communities.
2. The future of India lies in its
villages.
Mahatma Gandhi
3. Problem Statement
1- India's average unemployment rate is
8.2%, while Bihar's unemployment rate
forAugust 2021is 13.6%.*
2- Male students dropout to work while
female students are occupied with
domesticactivities.**
3-50% of Bihar households exposed to
migration***
*- Source -
https://unemploymentinindia.cmie.com/kommon/bin/sr.php?kall=wshowtab&tabno=0001
**- Source- Sources: School Education in India: Flash Statistics, 2015-16,
*** - https://bit.ly/3CRKi0J
4. MAKHANA
Superfood makhana is rich in proteins and fibre and low in fat. 100 grams of
makhanagivesaround347caloriesofenergy.
Solution
5. Why MAKHANA?
Fox nut, commonly known as Makhana, is mainly cultivated in the states of
Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. Bihar is the leading producer of makhana
accounting for more than 85% of the total production of India. Madhubani,
Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria
districtsarethemajorproducersof Makhanainthestate
6. As per the estimates of the National Research Center for Makhana, Darbhanga
(ICAR), total area under makhana cultivation in India is estimated to be 15000
Ha. It yields 120,000 MT of makhana seeds, which after processing yields 40,000
MT of makhana pop. The estimated value of the production at farmers end is Rs.
250Croreanditgenerates revenue of Rs.550Croreattrader’slevel.
Though, Bihar is the major producer of makhana in the country, yet the major
wholesale markets are Khari Bowli (New Delhi), Nayaganj (Kanpur), Gola
DinanathandVishweshwarganj(Varanasi)etc.
7. • Increasing demand for healthy food from an increasingly health conscious
consumerbase.
• A great snack food for diabetics and heart patients as they contain the good
fatandhavealow quantityof saturatedfats.
•Growingpopularityof snackfood category (ready-to-eat packedfoods)
•Risingdemand forDemandfor Gluten Free Protein Foods.
•RisingUse intheCosmetic Products.
Driving factors for Makhana
11. First 3 years
Year Capacity
of the
Unit
(Yearly)
Source
of
power
Source of
water
supply
Connectivity
to
road/railways
Mode of
transport
Market Employment
Generation
Waste disposal
1 1000 KG Solar Borewell NH/SH/ Train Pickup/Truck/
Others
Local
Market/Delh
i
3 (Full Time)
4 (Part Time)
Others
2 2000 KG Solar Borewell NH/SH/Train Pickup/Truck/
Others
Delhi/Mumb
ai
5 (Full Time)
8 (Part Time)
Others
3 4000 KG Solar Borewell NH/SH/Train Pickup/Truck/
Others
Delhi/Mumb
ai/Bangalore
7 (Full Time)
16 (Part Time)
Others
12. 4-6 Years Onwards*
Year Capacity
of the
Unit
(Yearly)
Source
of
power
Source of
water
supply
Connectivity
to
road/railways
Mode of
transport
Market Employment
Generation
Waste disposal
4 8000 KG Solar Borewell NH/SH/ Train Pickup/Truck/
Others
Local
Market/Delh
i
10 (Full Time)
20 (Part Time)
Others
5 16000 KG Solar Borewell NH/SH/Train Pickup/Truck/
Others
Delhi/Mumb
ai
15 (Full Time)
25 (Part Time)
Others
6 32000 KG Solar Borewell NH/SH/Train Pickup/Truck/
Others
Delhi/Mumb
ai/Bangalore
20 (Full Time)
40 (Part Time)
Others
*These figures depend on the success of the first three years.
15. SWOT analysis of Makhana Sector
Strengths
• Unique product of the state/clusters.
• Major production hub in the country.
• High nutritive and medicinal value.
Weaknesses
• Poor market linkage.
• Manual harvesting and processing of
makhana.
• The allotment of the pond is full of
inflexibility.
• Silting and eutrophication of ponds.
Opportunities
• Value added makhana products.
• Commercial production of makhana.
• Mechanized processing.
• Scope of area expansion and yield
improvement.
• Improved packaging for long shelf life.
Threats
• Migration of skilled workforce to other
states for employment.
• Recurrent floods.
• Growing level of urbanization leading
to shrinkage of water area.