Cofffed Showcases Makhana Schemes and Integrated Farming Model at Horticulture Festival

Mukhiyajee Reporter | Patna

The Bihar State Fishermen’s Cooperative Federation (Cofffed) has set up a stall at the Horticulture Festival being held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The stall features an exhibition of makhana products, live demonstrations of various value-added dishes made from makhana, and presentations on the integrated farming model combining makhana, fisheries, and water chestnut cultivation. During the festival, visitors, fishermen, entrepreneurs and fishermen’s cooperative societies are being provided detailed information about various schemes of the National Makhana Board. Cofffed is also facilitating access to subsidy-based schemes under these initiatives.

Managing Director of Cofffed, Rishikesh Kashyap, interacted with visitors and members of the media, highlighting schemes related to the development, processing, marketing and self-employment opportunities in the makhana sector. He informed that beneficiaries interested in availing schemes of the National Makhana Board can apply online through the official website of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Bihar. Applicants need to select the relevant scheme, complete registration, upload necessary documents and submit the application online. The application status can also be tracked through the portal. He further stated that for individual fishermen, schemes such as expansion of makhana cultivation (pond system and field system), construction of new ponds, and frontline demonstrations of makhana under integrated farming are being implemented. These schemes offer subsidies of up to 40 per cent, while the frontline demonstration component provides 100 per cent assistance.

Subsidies of up to 35 per cent are available for setting up makhana processing units at micro, small, medium and large levels. For fishermen’s cooperative societies, group-level processing units, infrastructure support for sales centres, and assistance for quality certification and branding are being provided with subsidies of up to 50 per cent. Cofffed is also assisting beneficiaries and cooperative societies in the application process. Ravi Raj has been appointed as the nodal officer, and a helpline number (6204972009) has been issued for assistance. Among those present at the event were Cofffed Director Simran, Director Aditya Raj, CSR Manager Ankit Kumar, AOC Manager Md. Arish Habib, along with representatives of cooperative societies and stakeholders from the agriculture and fisheries sectors.