The scope of makhana-based products in Katihar district of Bihar is steadily expanding. The traditionally consumed makhana is now being given a completely new form, allowing people to enjoy its taste in a distinct style. The beginning of this unique initiative started with the creation of makhana jalebi. Sumit of Zeta Lake Organization states that makhana jalebi was prepared for the first time in Katihar by his company. Following this initial success, the team started working on producing various sweets made from makhana. Now, his team is preparing several traditional and new-flavored products from makhana. Throughout this journey, guidance and support are being received from the officials of ATMA and the agriculture department, which is giving new momentum to this work.
Traditional and New Sweets Made From Makhana
Under the banner of Zeta Lake Organization, several types of delicious items are being crafted. The list of these products mainly includes makhana barfi, kalakand, thekua, gajak, and peda. Additionally, keeping health in mind, a nutritious sattu is also being prepared by combining makhana and gram. Notably, curd is specifically used in makhana kalakand to impart a great taste and a slight tanginess. While preparing all these products, special care is taken to ensure that the ingredients are pure and the traditional method of making sweets is strictly followed. For instance, makhana barfi is made entirely using pure ghee and high-quality makhana. The core objective behind this entire endeavor is to introduce people to a brand new taste of makhana-based sweets so that it can carve out a distinct and strong identity in the market.
Strong Participation of Farmers and Women
The most inspiring aspect of this initiative is the active participation of local people behind it. Sumit states that their Farmer Producer Organization is currently working alongside more than 500 people. Furthermore, around 50 women are directly involved in the work of preparing delicious sweets and other products from makhana. All of these women are residents of Katihar. This value addition of makhana is working to strengthen the rural economy at the local level and is creating new opportunities for employment and self-employment for the people of the region. When women from rural areas get involved in such work, visible improvements in their financial conditions follow.
Market Prices of These Products
The prices of these makhana products prepared in Katihar have been set according to their quality and production cost. In the market, the price of makhana barfi has been set at 800 rupees per kilo. Meanwhile, makhana thekua is available at 1000 rupees per kilo, and makhana kalakand is priced between 900 to 1000 rupees per kilo. On the other hand, the price of makhana peda is kept around 180 to 200 rupees so that it remains accessible to common people. For health-conscious individuals, the 100-gram pack of makhana sattu is priced between 70 to 100 rupees.
Future Plans and Expansion
Sumit clearly states that their primary motive right now is not to earn massive profits at all. Their priority is simply to let as many people as possible taste these new products made from makhana and establish a solid identity for them in the market. Currently, Zeta Lake Organization is fully engaged in working on the expansion and marketing of these products. Sumit also shared that the company is very soon preparing to launch online sales of all these products. Their earnest effort is to set up the online sales system by the next month so that people from other parts of the country can easily order these products from the comfort of their homes.
