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Time of India

BAU launches organic makhana drive in Purnia

1 2 Bhagalpur: In a major push to transform farming in the state's Kosi belt, including Purnia and Kishanganj, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has launched the ambitious ' Organic Makhana Cultivation Programme ' (OMCP) under its 'Know Your Crop' (KYC-Makhana) initiative. The drive began this week at Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College (BPSAC), Purnia. Titled the 'Green to White Organic Revolution', the flagship OMCP aims to shift makhana (fox nut) farming from traditional methods to scientific, organic and sustainable practices. Two-month-old seedlings were symbolically transplanted at the university's first dedicated organic makhana research plot. The project is aimed at expanding makhana cultivation by 25-30%. A key highlight is the upcoming release of BAU's first elite variety, Sabour Makhana-1 , which yields up to 3.5 tonnes per hectare and offers a high popping percentage. Operation Sindoor 'Op Sindoor's precision & execution was unimaginable': Rajnath Singh Operation Sindoor: India repels drone, missile attack across LoC Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list "This variety is a game changer for both field and pond-based systems. It blends tradition with modern breeding, improves soil health and caters to health-conscious consumers," said BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh. He added, "BAU's work helped Mithila makhana receive the GI tag, which enhanced branding, export potential and led to the Centre establishing a National Makhana Board. " OMCP also promotes mechanised sowing, improved input efficiency and year-round farming across regions beyond north Bihar. Anil Kumar Singh, BAU's director of research, said the KYC-Makhana initiative is aimed at developing an internationally compliant organic farming package. "We have identified a compound in makhana with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, truly a superfood," he said. Earlier, scientists, students and stakeholders, led by BPSAC principal D K Mahto, participated in the ceremonial planting.