On August 20, 2022, Mithila Makhana, a popular product from Bihar, was honored with the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The announcement was made by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
This achievement was facilitated by the efforts of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, which played a key role in the process of securing the GI tag for the region’s prized crop.
In April 2022, Mithila Makhana became the fifth product from Bihar to receive GI status, thanks to the tireless efforts of Darbhanga MP, Gopal Jee Thakur, who had repeatedly raised the demand for this recognition in the Parliament of India.
This initiative aims to ensure the smooth and timely distribution of the prized Makhana across the state, enhancing its accessibility to consumers and further strengthening its market presence.
This recognition not only highlights the unique qualities of Mithila Makhana but also brings immense pride to the local farmers and the entire Mithila region. The GI tag helps preserve its traditional identity, ensuring that the efforts of those who have cultivated and safeguarded this crop for generations are acknowledged both nationally and globally.
Beyond national recognition, the GI tag positions Mithila Makhana on the global stage, attracting international attention to this culturally significant crop. It reinforces Bihar’s rich agricultural heritage while opening new markets and opportunities for local farmers, boosting the rural economy, and sustaining traditional farming practices.
Mithila Makhana, renowned for its superior quality, is grown predominantly in Bihar’s Mithila region. This GI tag recognizes the exceptional qualities of the product, which are attributed to the region’s unique agro-climatic conditions.
The award of the GI tag aims to protect and promote Mithila Makhana’s distinctiveness, ensuring that only genuine products from the designated area can be marketed under this label.
Reasons for the GI Tag Award
The GI tag was granted due to Mithila Makhana’s unique characteristics:
- Distinctive Quality: The specific environmental conditions of Mithila contribute to the high-quality texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits of the Makhana.
- Cultural Importance: Mithila Makhana is deeply embedded in local traditions and culinary practices, enhancing its cultural value.
- Economic Benefits: The GI tag is expected to boost the product’s market value and provide economic security to local farmers by preventing the misuse of the Makhana name.
Registration and Implementation
The GI tag has been officially registered in the name of the Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh, Purnia, marking a milestone in the preservation and promotion of this indigenous product.
Adding further momentum to the promotion of Mithila Makhana, the Postal Department of India launched a dedicated courier service for the product within Bihar on 28 January 2021.
This registration not only validates the product’s origin and quality but also protects it from unauthorized use. The GI tag is valid for ten years, after which it can be renewed to maintain the product’s exclusive recognition and protection.
Impact and Benefits
The GI tag brings several advantages:
- Market Differentiation: Mithila Makhana is distinguished from other varieties, enhancing its appeal to consumers and providing a competitive edge.
- Protection and Authenticity: The GI tag ensures that only authentic Mithila Makhana can be marketed under this name, safeguarding the product’s reputation and quality.
- Economic and Legal Security: The tag provides economic and legal protection to farmers, supporting their livelihoods and promoting sustainable cultivation practices.
Encouraging Cultivation and Future Plans
To promote the cultivation and trade of Makhana, the government established the Makhana Board in Bihar to support farmers and enhance production. Farmers benefit from subsidies and guidance provided by the Makhana Board in Bihar.
Following this milestone, the Bihar state government is actively encouraging farmers to expand Makhana cultivation. Currently, many farmers in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, Purnia, Saharsa, Supaul, Kishanganj, Madhepura, and Araria districts depend on Makhana cultivation for their livelihood.
The state government is also planning to introduce Makhana cultivation in West Champaran and Sitamarhi to further enhance production.
Significance
Bihar, as a major Makhana-producing state, supplies approximately 90% of the world’s Makhana. Mithila Makhana enjoys popularity not only within India but also internationally.
Despite the labor-intensive and challenging nature of Makhana cultivation, including risks from climate conditions and meticulous processing requirements, the GI tag has strengthened the economic prospects for farmers.
Contextual Recognition
The awarding of the GI tag to Mithila Makhana is particularly notable as it marks the fifth product from Bihar to receive this prestigious designation. Before Mithila Makhana, Bihar had secured GI tags for:
- Bhagalpur’s Jardalu Mango
- Katarni Dhaan (rice)
- Nawada’s Magahi Paan
- Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi
These recognitions underscore Bihar’s rich agricultural heritage and its commitment to preserving and promoting its unique products. The GI tag enhances the value of their produce and provides a path toward better market prices and recognition.
The award of the Geographical Indication tag to Mithila Makhana is a landmark achievement that highlights the product’s exceptional quality and cultural significance.
It provides substantial benefits to local farmers, enhances the product’s market presence, and ensures the preservation of Mithila Makhana’s unique characteristics. With this recognition, the future of Mithila Makhana looks promising, offering both economic security and a quality guarantee to the dedicated farmers of Bihar.