Bihar to set up cooperative societies to boost makhana farming: Minister

The state cooperative department is mulling the creation of cooperative societies in Seemanchal (north-eastern Bihar) to support and promote the cultivation, processing, and marketing of makhana (fox nut), cooperative minister Prem Kumar said at a function in Patna on Wednesday.

- Subhash Pathak

PATNA:

Speaking to reporters at the release of a study titled "Climate Change and Makhana Farmers of Bihar" by Asar Social Impact Advisors, Kumar said 21 multipurpose cooperative societies have already been formed in the Mithilanchal region to support makhana production.

"But we need to set up more such societies in districts like Araria, Katihar, Purnea, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Madhepura, and Supaul to ensure fair returns for makhana growers," he said, adding that this would be done in the coming months.

Kumar stressed the need for convergence with other departments such as agriculture, and environment, forest and climate change, to expand the makhana farming area to about 2 lakh hectares from the current 15,000 hectares.