While presenting his eighth budget, the Union Finance Minister also mentioned Makhana. If reports are to be believed, India produces 90 percent of Makhana in the world. Whereas, only Bihar produces 80 percent of Makhana. The Finance Minister has also talked about the formation of the Makhana Board in Bihar. The government is trying to focus on the production of Makhana and traders will benefit.

Let us tell you that Makhana is cultivated in 10 districts of Bihar. Makhana is grown in Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, and Kishanganj of Bihar. Makhana coming from here has also been given a GI Tag.

How Makhana grows

Let us tell you that Makhana is a part of the lotus plant. It is the seed of the lotus flower, which is processed. Makhana is prepared by processing. Its seeds are sown in a pond or pit in the month of December. It is necessary to clean the pond before sowing the seeds.

While sowing its seeds, it is kept in mind that the distance between them should not be much. Within 30 days, it is observed whether the seed is sprouting or not.

Dirt is cleaned up

The task of collecting them is not easy. They are taken out of the water by diving or with the help of bamboo. After this, they are kept in large vessels and continuously shaken. By doing this, the dirt on the lotus seeds is cleaned. After this, they are washed with water. Now the cleaned seeds are filled in bags and filled in cylindrical containers.

This container is rolled on the ground for a long time so that the seeds become smooth. After this, these seeds are prepared for the next day. After this, the seeds are dried for at least 3 hours the next day.

It is ready after frying.

When the makhanas are thoroughly dried, they are fried. This entire process has to be done for a fixed time. After frying them, they are stored in a bamboo container, which is covered with a special cloth. To keep the temperature right, a paste of cow dung is applied to it. After a few hours, they are fried again and the same process is followed. Once the seed bursts, white makhana comes out of it.

Makhana is very beneficial.

People of all ages can eat makhana. It is also known as a light snack. Eating it is beneficial for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.