Kalakand and Barfi Made From Makhana in Katihar, 500 Farmers and 50 Women Join the Initiative Makhana-based sweets like kalakand, barfi, and thekua are being produced in Katihar, Bihar. The initiative connects 500 farmers and 50 women, with prices ranging from 800 to 1000 rupees per kilo. 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. What this means for you This initiative opens up new livelihood pathways for farmers and rural women in the Katihar region. • Local Employment: 500 farmers and 50 women in Katihar are directly benefiting by connecting with this makhana value addition work. • Market Options: Consumers are getting healthy and novel flavored makhana-based products in the price range of 800 to 1000 rupees per kilo compared to traditional sweets. Why this happened The production of kalakand and barfi from makhana in Katihar was initiated with the aim of promoting crop value addition and rural self-employment at the local level. • Value Addition: Sweets prepared from makhana fetch higher market prices compared to raw makhana, which benefits farmers and producers. • Support System: Receiving guidance from ATMA and agriculture department officials provides the right direction and technical support to the local production process. Questions & Answers 1. What items are being made from makhana in Katihar? Makhana barfi, kalakand, thekua, gajak, peda, and makhana-gram sattu are being prepared from makhana in Katihar. 2. How many people are associated with this initiative? Over 500 farmers and around 50 women from Katihar are associated with this initiative. 3. What is the market price of makhana barfi? The price of makhana barfi in the market has been set at 800 rupees per kilo. 4. What is used to bring tanginess to makhana kalakand? Curd is used to impart taste and slight tanginess in makhana kalakand. 5. When is the online sale of products expected to start? The company is preparing to start the online sale of these products by next month. Inspiration & Lessons This initiative by Katihar farmers and Zeta Lake Organization presents an excellent example of entrepreneurship and the proper utilization of local resources. • Utilization of Local Resources: By performing proper value addition on local produce like makhana, it can be transformed into high-value products. • Collective Participation: Working together with farmers and women creates new employment opportunities and promotes community development. • Innovative Mindset: By creating new products like jalebi, barfi, and sattu from makhana, a distinct identity can be established in the market. https://trendkia.com/en/food/katihar-me-makhana-se-ban-rahi-kalakand-aur-barfi-kisanon-ki-mehnat-se-11-59456 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.