Makhana awarded Geographical Indication tag! Know how it will benefit cultivators
Caste census in Bihar: will it aid developmental work or fuel social divide?
Caste is a deeply rooted factor in Bihar politics. The survey for the much-talked-about caste census began in the state on January 7 and it is likely to be completed by May 31, 2023. How will it affect the state? Will it aid in developmental work as claimed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, or fuel further social divide in the state?
‘Kala Azar’ now confined in only 4 districts of Bihar and Jharkhand; people’s awareness key to eliminate it: Modi
Till recently, the scourge of ‘Kala Azar’ was spread in more than 50 districts across 4 states. But now this disease is confined to only 4 districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. Awareness of the people of Bihar-Jharkhand will help the government’s efforts to eliminate ‘Kala Azar’ from these four districts as well, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.
When will India become a developed nation? It will take at least 20 years, says Ex-RBI Governor
There have been several targets and projections for India to become a developed nation. But, when exactly, can India become a developed nation? According to the former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor C Rangarajan, it will take at least two decades of sustained 8 to 9 per cent of annual GDP growth to take India into a developed nation league.
Mudra Yojana: Rs 20.43 lakh crore loan disbursed since inception in 2015
More than 37.76 crore collateral-free loans amounting to over Rs 20.43 lakh crore have been disbursed to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) scheme since its inception in April 2015, the government data shows.
Giriraj Singh calls for need-based skill mapping for employment and training in rural India
Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh has called for need-based skill mapping for employment and training to India’s youth, mainly in the rural areas. The Minister urged to explore means to see how best the traditional trades can be integrated with electronic, education and training, IT & BPO and tourism and hospitality sectors to create more employment opportunities for the youth in the country.
Makhana, the aquatic fox nut cultivated in the Mithila region of Bihar and adjoining areas of Nepal, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag by the Government of India. Makhana is the firth agricultural product from Bihar to be awarded the GI Tag.
Other products from Bihar that have been awarded GI tag include, Bhagalpur’s Jardalu Mango, Katarni Dhaan (rice), Nawada’s Magahi Paan and Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi.
Bihar harvests 80 per cent of India’s total Makhana or Fox Nut supply. Bihar’s Mithila region is famous for Fox Nut cultivation and hence it has been awarded with the GI Tag.
Know about Makhana
Mithila Makhana is locally known as Makhan in Mithila. Its Botanical name is Euryale Ferox Salisb. This special variety of Aquatic Fox Nut is cultivated in the Mithila region of Bihar and adjoining areas of Nepal. Fox Nuts are rich in protein and fiber and have various micro-nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and iron. Maithili Brahmin community extensively uses and distributes Makhana during the Kojagara Puja festival.
According to World International Property Organization or WIPO, a GI or Geographical Indication Tag is used for products which have specific geographical origin or have qualities that can be attributed specifically to the region. In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
Informing about the GI Tag to Mithila Makhana, Union Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, “Mithila Makhana gets GI Tag, farmers to profit and it will be easier for them to earn more. Due to Geographical Indication Tag to Mithila Makhana in the festive season, people outside Bihar will be able to use this auspicious material with reverence.” According to govt sources, with this move Fox Nuts farmers will get the maximum price for their premium produce. Over 5 lakh farmers of Mithila region of Bihar will be benefitted from this decision.