Makhana’s Rise to Prominence: Sanghani’s Initiative in Purnea
In a bid to revive the Makhana business through cooperatives, IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani recently visited Purnea in Bihar, a region renowned for being the country’s largest producer of this nutritious aquatic crop. Makhana, often hailed as a ‘super food’ and health booster, has gained significant attention in recent times due to its high-value agricultural commodity status and growing demand both domestically and internationally.
A Push for Value Addition and Cooperative-Led Marketing
Sanghani’s visit to Purnea was at the invitation of Atulayam Multi State Cooperative Society, where he inaugurated a Makhana processing unit established by the cooperative. This event marked a crucial step towards strengthening value addition and cooperative-led marketing of Makhana. The cooperative movement has emerged as a vital platform for promoting the cultivation, processing, and marketing of Makhana, thereby benefiting the farmers and the rural economy.
A Champion for Makhana Farmers
Speaking to Indian Cooperative after his visit to Purnea, Sanghani expressed his commitment to the cause of Makhana farmers. As a member of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) Committee, he has consistently advocated for the rights of Makhana growers. “When Makhana farmers came to know about my efforts in raising their issues, they invited me to inaugurate the first Makhana cooperative formed in the region,” he said. This reflects his dedication to empowering Makhana farmers and promoting their interests.
A Grand Welcome in Purnea
Sanghani received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Purnea Airport, with a host of dignitaries and cooperative leaders in attendance. Among those present were IFFCO Director Prem Chandra Munshi, BISCOMAUN Chairman Vishal Singh, Bihar State Cooperative Bank Chairman Ramesh Chandra Chaubey, IFFCO Chief General Manager (Marketing) N. M. Gazera, IFFCO State Marketing Manager Dr. Anand Kumar Srivastava, and field officers from Purnea and Katihar. The occasion was marked by bouquets, garlands, and traditional ceremonial honours, underscoring the significance of Sanghani’s visit.
A Call for Shifting the Makhana Board to Purnea
During the programme, local cooperative leaders urged Sanghani to support the shifting of the Makhana Board to Purnea. They argued that nearly 80 per cent of the country’s Makhana production comes from the Purnea and Katihar region, making it the natural hub for the crop’s development, research, processing, and marketing. This plea reflects the region’s aspirations to become the epicenter of Makhana production and trade, and Sanghani’s visit is seen as a significant step towards realizing this goal.
A New Era for Makhana in Purnea
Sanghani’s visit to Purnea marks a new chapter in the development of Makhana in the region. With the cooperative movement gaining momentum, there is a growing expectation that Makhana will become a major driver of rural prosperity in Purnea. As the region’s largest producer of Makhana, Purnea is poised to become the hub of Makhana production, processing, and marketing, with Sanghani’s initiative serving as a catalyst for this transformation.