Bihar is India’s biggest producer of makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds. The Indian government has given Bihar’s makhana a special GI (Geographical Indication) tag. This means Bihar’s makhana is unique and special to this region. In Purnea’s Gulabbagh, a brand called ‘Organic Sattva’ is making makhana products that are becoming famous not just in India, but also in European countries. Makhana is not just tasty but also very healthy. It’s low in calories and high in protein, making it a favourite among health-conscious people. The GI tag has helped increase the value of Bihar’s makhana in the market. Farmers in Bihar are now getting better prices for their makhana crop. This has encouraged more farmers to grow makhana, helping the local economy. The success of makhana is a proud moment for Bihar, showing how a local product can become globally famous.
The Rise of ‘Organic Sattva’
‘Organic Sattva’ is a brand that started small but is now making big waves. In the beginning, they faced many problems and losses. But they didn’t give up. The founders of ‘Organic Sattva’ Mili and Amit went from village to village to understand makhana farming better. They spent a lot of money and time learning about this complicated product. Makhana might look simple, but making good quality makhana products is not easy. After facing many difficulties, their hard work has paid off. Today, ‘Organic Sattva’ products are popular not just in India but also in many European countries. The brand has become strong in the corporate sector too. Their success story shows that with hard work and dedication, a small local business can become an international brand. It also shows how traditional Indian foods like makhana can be presented in new, exciting ways to appeal to a global market.
Creating Jobs and Empowering Local Communities
‘Organic Sattva’ is not just about making money. It’s also about helping local people. The company is now giving jobs to 600 people directly. This means 600 families are getting a steady income because of this makhana business. The company plans to give jobs to 1000 people by 2025. This is a big help for the local community. Many of these workers are women who earlier didn’t have job opportunities. Now, they can earn money and help their families. The company also takes care of its workers’ health and safety. They make sure the work environment is clean and hygienic. By using a mix of machines and human work, they keep the quality high while also creating jobs. This shows how a business can grow while also helping its community grow. It’s a model that other businesses in rural areas can follow.
From Local Fields to International Markets
‘Organic Sattva’ is not just selling raw makhana. They are making many different products from makhana. They have 11 different flavours of makhana snacks. They also make instant makhana kheer mix, which is ready to eat. These products are not just sold in India. They are exported to other countries too. The company believes that if makhana from Bihar can be sent to Delhi or Mumbai for export, why can’t it be exported directly from Bihar? So, they are working on making world-class facilities right in Bihar. They are focusing on maintaining high hygiene standards. They use modern machinery along with human skills to ensure the best quality. This approach is helping them compete in international markets. Their success is showing that products from small towns in India can meet international standards and be popular worldwide.
Partnering with Big Brands and Future Plans
‘Organic Sattva’ has partnered with many big brands in India. These include DMart, Reliance, Patanjali, and many other well-known companies. This partnership with big brands has helped ‘Organic Sattva’ reach more customers across India. In foreign countries too, their products, especially the different flavoured makhana snacks, are becoming popular. The company is always trying to make new and interesting makhana products. They are focusing on making healthy, ready-to-eat foods because there’s a big demand for such products. Their success is inspiring other people to start makhana businesses too. This is good for Bihar’s economy. It’s creating a whole industry around makhana. The founders of ‘Organic Sattva’ believe that their success will encourage more young people to start businesses using local products. They hope this will lead to more development and job creation in Bihar.
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