Marketing and Branding of Fox nut as High Value Crops in Abroad from Bihar (India): A Review

Abstract

This review article scrutinizes analyse of the micro-economic aspects of Makhana value chain in
India. It was aimed at identifying major Makhana marketing channels; the corresponding marketing
margins, price spread, producer’s share in consumers’ rupee in the identified marketing channels
and efficiency of Makhana marketing channels.This crop places a significant role to the farmers for
itseconomic value in the market. The economy of the poor rural farmers ofthese areas is intimately
linked with the cultivation of this crop. It is commonly called Fox nut, Gorgon nut, Prickly water
lily. The distribution of this species is now limited to the tropical and subtropical regions of southeast and East Asia. It has adapted to the tropical climate of India and is found in natural, wild forms
in various parts of north-east India (Assam, Meghalya, and Orissa) and scattered pockets of central
and northern India (eg. Gorakhpur and Alwar). However, Mithila (North Bihar) is the principal area
of its present existence. Makhana is best grown in age- old perennial water bodies with a rich
mucky bottom providing nutrients to the plants. Harvesting and processing of seed is still carried
out by traditional methods. Makhana (Euryale feroxSalisb.) is one of the most common dry fruits
utilized by the people due to low fat content, high contents of carbohydrates, protein and minerals.
Both raw and fried Makhana are fairly rich in essential amino acids. Edible perisperm constitutes
80 per cent starch. Euryale ferox is a store house of macro- and micro-nutrients. The seeds are eaten
raw or roasted. The seeds are sold in market and used as a farinaceous food.A lot of medicinal uses
are recommended in the Indian and Chinese system of medicine. The different dietary components
of the seeds were investigated to assess its nutritional significance.Important marketing and value
chain of Makhana are briefly discussed in this article.