Phool dev Shahni: The Man Behind the Makhana Revolution
Phool dev Shahni, a third-generation makhana harvester, has been making a living by diving into muddy ponds to harvest lotus seeds, also known as fox nuts. But now, thanks to innovative changes in cultivation techniques, his life has taken a turn for the better.
In the past, Phool dev Shahni used to spend hours diving into deep ponds to collect the seeds of the water lily plant. The process was grueling, with mud entering his ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, and the plant’s thorns causing cuts all over his body. However, recent advancements in makhana cultivation have transformed the way he works.
With the introduction of shallow water cultivation methods, Phool dev Shahni can now harvest seeds in just a foot of water, doubling his daily income. This shift has not only made his work easier but has also improved the overall efficiency of makhana production in the region.
Dr. Manoj Kumar, head of the National Research Centre for Makhana, has been instrumental in driving these changes. By developing new cultivation techniques and resilient seed varieties, he has tripled the income of farmers and helped them cope with uncertain weather conditions and floods.
One such farmer who has benefited from these innovations is Dhirendra Kumar. After switching his family farm to makhana production, he saw a significant increase in profits and now employs local women to sow the seeds, creating job opportunities in the community.
Furthermore, companies like Madhubani Makhana are revolutionizing the processing of makhana with the development of machines that roast and pop the seeds, increasing quality and production.
As the demand for makhana continues to rise globally, these innovations are not only improving the lives of farmers like Phool dev Shahni and Dhirendra Kumar but also shaping the future of agriculture in Bihar. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the makhana revolution is set to bring far-reaching change to the region.
