Patna. There is good news for the farmers associated with Makhana production in Bihar and the youth who wish to start business in this sector. The state government is providing subsidy on Makhana popping machines to promote Makhana processing. This will provide better facilities to the farmers for processing their produce, while youth can start business at low cost through this machine.
What is Makhana Popping Machine?
The traditional process of preparing makhana takes a lot of hard work and time. The process of roasting black raw seeds and extracting white makhana from them has been done by hand for a long time. With the help of machine the same work can be done in less time. This speeds up the production process and can help farmers provide better markets for their produce after processing.
1.60 lakh grant on small machine
Under the scheme, there is a provision of assistance at different rates on machines of different capacities. General category beneficiaries can get a grant of 70 percent or a maximum of Rs 1.40 lakh on a machine with a capacity of 5 to 10 kg per hour. Whereas the subsidy rate for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and women farmers has been kept up to 80 percent. In this category, provision of maximum assistance up to Rs 1.60 lakh has been made.
Subsidy up to Rs 5 lakh on big machines
Higher capacity machines have also been included in the plan. Beneficiaries of general category can get a maximum grant of up to Rs 4 lakh on a large machine with a capacity of about 20 kg per hour. Whereas for SC, ST and women farmers, there is a provision of maximum assistance up to Rs 5 lakh on this machine.
How to get full benefit of this scheme?
Farmers and other eligible people wishing to avail subsidy can contact their nearest Horticulture Department office. There, information about scheme eligibility, machine capacity, application process and required documents can be obtained.