Bhagalpur: Scientists at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), in association with startup institutions, unveiled India’s first 100% Makhana Papad, giving Bihar’s superfood makhana (fox nut) a new identity with the value addition besides opening new avenues for makhana growers and the stakeholders promoting agri-entrepreneurship across the nation and in global markets with an exclusive market for makhana while delivering healthier food choices to consumers.Developed by a startup under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana-Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) scheme under the ministry of agriculture & farmers’ welfare, govt of India and under the aegis of BAU’s Sabour Agri Incubators (SABAGRIs), the agribusiness incubation centre of BAU, the Makhana Papad is made exclusively from 100% makhana.BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh told this reporter on Tuesday that Makhana Papad is a landmark achievement for India’s agri-food innovation ecosystem and is expected to create new opportunities for product diversification, higher farmer incomes and premium domestic and export markets.“All agricultural innovation must ultimately benefit farmers, stakeholders as well as consumers,” Singh said, adding that this breakthrough demonstrates how research, technology and entrepreneurship can transform locally available resources into globally competitive products.“Such innovations will strengthen Bihar’s leadership in the makhana sector while creating new opportunities for rural employment and agricultural enterprise as well as boost the rural economy,” the VC said.Director of research and principal investigator and nodal officer of SABAGRIs at BAU Anil Kumar Singh said the achievement reflects the growing maturity of Bihar’s agribusiness innovations vis-à-vis the first 100% Makhana Papad, which demonstrates the successful conversion of research-backed innovation into a market-ready enterprise.“Through SABAGRIs, we are enabling startups with technology validation, business mentoring, product development and market linkages,” the director said, adding that it has the potential to significantly enhance value addition in the makhana value chain, improve farmer profitability and position Bihar as a global hub for makhana-based food innovations.The BAU scientists said that several products including raw makhana, flavoured makhana, makhana flour and makhana pasta, were launched in the past and now the makhana papad to further strengthen the startup portfolio. “The launch also reinforces BAU Sabour’s emergence as a leading centre for technology-led agribusiness incubation through SABAGRIs,” he said, adding, “We are aiming to become a global leader in innovation around the superfood Makhana.”
The newly launched Makhana Papad
BAU VC D R Singh during the launch of Makhana Papad
