Meet the Man Behind the Makhana Revolution in India
Makhana, a type of fox nut, has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. Native to the Mithilanchal region of Bihar, makhana was traditionally harvested from ponds and processed manually. However, the journey of makhana from being a local delicacy to a global superfood is a story of innovation, perseverance, and dedication. At the forefront of this revolution is Dr. S. N. Jha, a renowned agricultural engineer who has spent over three decades mechanizing the processing of makhana.
In this exclusive interview with Krishi Jagran, Dr. Jha shares his incredible journey, from the challenges he faced to the triumphs he achieved, and how a simple promise in Bihar sparked a nationwide makhana revolution.
A Promise in Bihar
Dr. Jha’s journey began in the early 1980s when he was working as an agricultural engineer in Bihar. During one of his visits to the Mithilanchal region, he was struck by the sheer potential of makhana. He saw the abundant supply of makhana in the ponds and the traditional manual processing methods used by local farmers. Dr. Jha saw an opportunity to mechanize the process and increase productivity, which could lead to a significant improvement in the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
“I made a promise to myself that I would work towards mechanizing the processing of makhana and take it to the global market,” Dr. Jha recalls.
Challenges and Obstacles
Dr. Jha’s vision was not without its challenges. The first and foremost was to convince the farmers to adopt mechanized processing. Many of them were skeptical and hesitant to change their traditional methods. Dr. Jha had to spend countless hours educating and persuading them to give his innovative methods a try.
The next hurdle was to develop the necessary machinery. Dr. Jha had to design and develop machines that could efficiently process makhana without compromising its quality. This was no easy feat, as makhana is a delicate crop that requires gentle handling.
Dr. Jha faced numerous setbacks and failures along the way. He encountered problems with machine design, procurement of raw materials, and even funding. However, he refused to give up. He worked tirelessly, often for 12 hours a day, to overcome each obstacle.
Mechanizing Makhana Processing
Dr. Jha’s persistence paid off, and he was finally able to develop a machine that could process makhana efficiently. The machine, known as the Makhana Processing Unit (MPU), was designed to clean, dry, and package makhana in a single operation.
The MPU was a game-changer for the makhana industry. It enabled farmers to process large quantities of makhana quickly and efficiently, resulting in higher yields and better quality produce. The machine also helped to reduce labor costs and increase the overall profitability of makhana farming.
Boosting Livelihoods
The impact of Dr. Jha’s innovation was immediate and significant. Hundreds of farmers in the Mithilanchal region began to adopt mechanized processing, resulting in a substantial increase in their incomes. The demand for makhana began to rise, and the crop became a lucrative business opportunity for many.
Dr. Jha’s work also had a ripple effect in the region. As more farmers began to adopt mechanized processing, the demand for labor decreased, and many workers were able to find employment in other sectors. The overall economy of the region began to flourish, and Dr. Jha’s work was hailed as a major success story.
Taking Makhana Global
Dr. Jha’s vision did not stop at domestic markets. He had always dreamed of taking makhana to the global stage. With the help of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. Jha established a research center dedicated to makhana processing and development.
The center worked tirelessly to develop new products, such as makhana-based snacks and beverages, which were designed to appeal to international markets. Dr. Jha also collaborated with international organizations to promote makhana as a superfood, highlighting its numerous health benefits and versatility.
Today, makhana is exported to over 20 countries around the world, including the United States, Japan, and Europe. The crop has become a major export earner for India, and Dr. Jha’s work is credited with transforming the lives of millions of farmers and workers.
Lessons Learned
Dr. Jha’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. His story is a reminder that even the smallest idea can have a significant impact when combined with dedication and hard work.
Dr. Jha’s experience also highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership. His work would not have been possible without the support of farmers, researchers, and policymakers. He emphasizes the need for stakeholders to work together to drive growth and development in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
Dr. S. N. Jha’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved when innovation meets passion. His dedication to mechanizing makhana processing has transformed the lives of millions of farmers and workers, and his work has taken makhana to the global stage.
As we conclude this interview, Dr. Jha’s message is clear: “Innovation is the key to success, but it is the people who make it happen. We must work together to drive growth and development in the agricultural sector, and I am proud to have played a small part in the makhana revolution.”
