The Makhana Paradox: Farmer's Plight Behind the Superfood Glitz

Rahul Gandhi reveals the disparity faced by makhana farmers in Bihar, highlighting how 99% of the labor by marginalized communities only benefits 1% of middlemen. Despite being a luxury superfood, the farmers who produce makhana barely earn from it. Gandhi pledges to combat this injustice.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has spotlighted the stark inequities faced by makhana farmers in Bihar, emphasizing how marginalized communities perform 99% of the labor, yet only 1% of the profit benefits them. Despite makhana's status as a luxury superfood on urban shelves, those toiling in its production barely scrap by.

Gandhi shared a video depicting his recent engagement with Bihar's makhana growers, where he illuminated their struggles. This interaction underscored the disconnect between the high market value of makhana and the meager financial returns for those who cultivate it. Gandhi called out the government for neglecting these farmers' rights and livelihoods.

Accompanied by Tejashwi Yadav through their 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', Gandhi listened to the grievances of farmers in Katihar and even partook in their harvesting processes. He reiterated their fight is against such systemic injustice and vouched for equitable profit distribution to benefit the laborers genuinely driving the makhana industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)