In northern India, the cultivation of makhana, also known as lotus seeds, is gaining popularity as a superfood due to its high nutritional value. Traditionally harvested by diving into deep, muddy ponds, farmers like Phool dev Shahni are now transitioning to growing makhana in fields with shallower water, making the process less physically demanding and more profitable.

Dr. Manoj Kumar, a Senior Scientist at the National Research Centre for Makhana, has played a key role in revolutionizing makhana cultivation by developing techniques to grow lilies in shallow water fields. This innovation has not only increased farmers’ income but also helped them adapt to uncertain weather conditions and floods in the region. The shift to makhana cultivation has attracted more farmers, with the area used for farming expanding significantly in recent years.

Dhirendra Kumar, a farmer who switched to makhana cultivation, has seen remarkable success on his family farm. By growing makhana on his land, he has not only increased his profits but also created job opportunities for local women. His story reflects a growing trend among farmers in the region who are embracing makhana cultivation as a more sustainable and lucrative alternative to traditional crops.

Innovations in makhana processing are also underway, with companies like Madhubani Makhana developing machines to roast and pop the lotus seeds efficiently. These advancements have not only improved the quality and production of makhana but also made the processing safer and more hygienic. Despite the increasing production, the rising global demand for makhana is expected to keep prices stable.

Overall, the shift towards makhana cultivation represents a significant change in the agricultural landscape of Bihar, bringing about innovation, increased profitability, and job creation. As more farmers and companies invest in makhana production, the industry is poised for further growth and development, offering a promising future for the region’s agricultural sector.

Original news source: The ‘superfood’ taking over fields in northern India (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to work in pairs or small groups and summarize the main points of the article about makhana cultivation in northern India. Encourage them to focus on key information such as the benefits of growing makhana, the innovations in cultivation techniques, and the impact on farmers and the agricultural sector.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article on separate pieces of paper. Have students pick a word and without showing it to others, draw it on the board while their classmates guess the word. This activity will help reinforce vocabulary retention and understanding.

– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Divide the students into two groups: one in favor of makhana cultivation and the other against it. Have them discuss the advantages and disadvantages of shifting to makhana cultivation. After the discussion, ask each group to present their main arguments on a spectrum from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Encourage respectful debate and critical thinking.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: In pairs, have students list the pros and cons of transitioning to makhana cultivation based on the information in the article. After they have compiled their lists, ask them to share their points with the class. This activity will help students practice expressing opinions and weighing different aspects of a topic.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to imagine the future of makhana cultivation in India and make predictions based on the trends mentioned in the article. They can discuss potential challenges, opportunities, and advancements they believe will shape the industry in the coming years. This activity will encourage students to think critically and speculate on future developments.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How has the cultivation of makhana in northern India evolved over time?
2. What role has Dr. Manoj Kumar played in the revolution of makhana cultivation?
3. How has the innovation in makhana cultivation helped farmers adapt to uncertain weather conditions?
4. What benefits has Dhirendra Kumar experienced since switching to makhana cultivation?
5. How has the shift to makhana cultivation impacted the area used for farming in recent years?
6. What advancements have been made in the processing of makhana seeds?
7. How has the rising global demand for makhana affected its prices?
8. What are some of the positive changes that the shift towards makhana cultivation has brought to the agricultural landscape of Bihar?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In northern (1)______, the cultivation of makhana, also known as lotus seeds, is gaining popularity as a superfood due to its high nutritional (2)______. Traditionally harvested by diving into deep, muddy ponds, farmers like (3)______ dev Shahni are now transitioning to growing makhana in fields with shallower water, making the process less physically demanding and more profitable.

Dr. Manoj Kumar, a Senior Scientist at the National (4)______ Centre for Makhana, has played a key role in revolutionizing makhana cultivation by developing techniques to grow (5)______ in shallow water fields. This innovation has not only increased farmers’ income but also helped them adapt to uncertain weather conditions and floods in the region. The shift to makhana cultivation has attracted more farmers, with the area used for farming (6)______ significantly in recent years.

Dhirendra (7)______, a farmer who switched to makhana cultivation, has seen remarkable success on his family farm. By (8)______ makhana on his land, he has not only increased his (9)______ but also created job opportunities for local (10)______. His story reflects a growing trend among farmers in the region who are embracing (11)______ cultivation as a more sustainable and lucrative alternative to traditional crops.

(12)______ in makhana processing are also underway, with companies like Madhubani Makhana developing machines to roast and pop the lotus seeds efficiently. These advancements have not only improved the quality and production of makhana but also made the processing safer and more hygienic. Despite the (13)______ (14)______, the (15)______ global demand for makhana is expected to keep prices (16)______.

Overall, the shift towards makhana cultivation represents a significant change in the agricultural landscape of Bihar, bringing about innovation, increased profitability, and job creation. As more farmers and companies invest in makhana production, the industry is poised for further growth and development, offering a promising future for the region’s agricultural sector.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What do you think are the benefits of cultivating superfoods like makhana for both farmers and consumers?
2. How important do you think innovation is in agriculture, especially in developing new cultivation techniques like growing lilies in shallow water fields?
3. Do you believe that traditional farming methods should always be replaced by more modern and efficient techniques, like transitioning from harvesting in deep ponds to growing in fields?
4. How do you think the shift towards makhana cultivation in northern India is impacting the local economy and job market?
5. Why do you think more farmers are choosing to grow makhana over traditional crops despite the initial challenges of transitioning?
6. Do you think the global demand for makhana will continue to rise, and if so, why?
7. How would you feel about trying makhana as a new superfood, knowing that it is sustainably grown and has high nutritional value?
8. Do you believe that more countries should invest in developing superfoods like makhana to improve food security and nutrition worldwide?
9. What challenges do you think farmers might face when transitioning from traditional crops to cultivating superfoods like makhana?
10. Why do you think it is important for companies to invest in innovations in makhana processing to improve quality, production, and safety?
11. Do you think the success stories of farmers like Dhirendra Kumar switching to makhana cultivation will inspire others to follow suit?
12. How do you think the growth of the makhana industry will impact the environment in terms of water usage and land sustainability?
13. Why do you think makhana cultivation is considered a more sustainable and lucrative alternative to traditional crops in northern India?
14. What do you think are the key factors that contribute to the promising future of makhana production in the region?
15. How do you think the success of makhana cultivation in Bihar could influence agricultural practices in other regions or countries facing similar challenges?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. cultivation
2. transitioning
3. revolutionizing
4. techniques
5. innovation
6. uncertain
7. remarkable
8. sustainable
9. lucrative
10. advancements
11. hygienic
12. profitability
13. poised
14. agricultural
15. sector

Meanings:
(A) Changing from one state or condition to another
(B) Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
(C) Developments or improvements in a particular area
(D) A distinct part or branch of a nation’s economy or society
(E) Ready or prepared for something
(F) Producing a great deal of profit
(G) Methods or ways of doing something
(H) Worthy of attention; extraordinary
(I) The ability to generate financial gain
(J) Clean and free from germs
(K) A new method, idea, or product
(L) The process of growing plants or crops
(M) Related to farming or cultivation of land
(N) Making a significant change or improvement
(O) Not known or definite
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is makhana also known as?
(a) Sunflower seeds
(b) Chia seeds
(c) Pumpkin seeds
(d) Lotus seeds

2. How is makhana traditionally harvested in northern India?
(a) By diving into deep, muddy ponds
(b) By using machines to collect them
(c) By picking them from trees
(d) By harvesting them from the soil

3. Who played a key role in revolutionizing makhana cultivation?
(a) Dr. Jane Smith
(b) Dr. Michael Johnson
(c) Dr. Sarah Lee
(d) Dr. Manoj Kumar

4. What has the innovation in makhana cultivation helped farmers adapt to?
(a) Droughts and heatwaves
(b) Uncertain weather conditions and floods
(c) Frost and snow
(d) Soil erosion and landslides

5. What has the shift to makhana cultivation attracted more of?
(a) Fishermen
(b) Farmers
(c) Hunters
(d) Miners

6. What has Dhirendra Kumar achieved by switching to makhana cultivation?
(a) Decreased profits and job opportunities for local women
(b) Increased profits and job opportunities for local men
(c) Increased profits and job opportunities for local women
(d) Decreased profits and job opportunities for local men

7. What kind of advancements are underway in makhana processing?
(a) Machines to harvest the seeds manually
(b) Machines to dry the seeds in the sun
(c) Machines to roast and pop the lotus seeds efficiently
(d) Machines to grind the seeds into powder

8. What is the expected impact of the rising global demand for makhana?
(a) Keeping prices stable
(b) Increasing prices significantly
(c) Decreasing prices
(d) Unpredictable price fluctuations

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The shift towards makhana cultivation in Bihar is bringing about innovation, increased profitability, and job creation in the agricultural sector.
2. Despite increasing production, the rising global demand for makhana is expected to cause prices to fluctuate.
3. Makhana, also known as lotus seeds, is losing popularity in northern India due to its low nutritional value.
4. Dhirendra Kumar, a farmer who switched to makhana cultivation, has increased his profits and created job opportunities for local women.
5. Dr. Manoj Kumar has played a crucial role in revolutionizing makhana cultivation by developing techniques to grow lilies in shallow water fields.
6. Companies like Madhubani Makhana are developing machines to roast and pop lotus seeds efficiently.
7. The innovation in makhana cultivation has not helped farmers adapt to uncertain weather conditions and floods in the region.
8. Farmers in northern India are transitioning from growing makhana in fields with shallower water to traditional deep pond harvesting.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. How has the cultivation of makhana in northern India evolved to become a popular superfood?
2. What role has Dr. Manoj Kumar played in revolutionizing makhana cultivation techniques?
3. How has the transition to growing makhana in fields with shallower water benefited farmers like Phool dev Shahni?
4. In what ways has the shift to makhana cultivation created job opportunities and increased profitability for farmers like Dhirendra Kumar?
5. What advancements have been made in makhana processing, and how have they impacted the quality, production, and safety of the product?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How has the cultivation of makhana in northern India evolved over time?
– Traditionally harvested by diving into deep, muddy ponds, farmers are now transitioning to growing makhana in fields with shallower water, making the process less physically demanding and more profitable.

2. What role has Dr. Manoj Kumar played in the revolution of makhana cultivation?
– Dr. Manoj Kumar, a Senior Scientist at the National Research Centre for Makhana, has developed techniques to grow lilies in shallow water fields, revolutionizing makhana cultivation and increasing farmers’ income.

3. How has the innovation in makhana cultivation helped farmers adapt to uncertain weather conditions?
– The innovation in makhana cultivation has helped farmers adapt to uncertain weather conditions and floods in the region, making their farming practices more sustainable.

4. What benefits has Dhirendra Kumar experienced since switching to makhana cultivation?
– Dhirendra Kumar has increased his profits and created job opportunities for local women by switching to makhana cultivation on his family farm.

5. How has the shift to makhana cultivation impacted the area used for farming in recent years?
– The shift to makhana cultivation has attracted more farmers, with the area used for farming expanding significantly in recent years.

6. What advancements have been made in the processing of makhana seeds?
– Companies like Madhubani Makhana have developed machines to roast and pop the lotus seeds efficiently, improving quality, production, and safety of makhana processing.

7. How has the rising global demand for makhana affected its prices?
– Despite the increasing production, the rising global demand for makhana is expected to keep prices stable.

8. What are some of the positive changes that the shift towards makhana cultivation has brought to the agricultural landscape of Bihar?
– The shift towards makhana cultivation has brought about innovation, increased profitability, and job creation, offering a promising future for the region’s agricultural sector.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) India
(2) value
(3) Phool
(4) Research
(5) lilies
(6) expanding
(7) Kumar
(8) growing
(9) profits
(10) women
(11) makhana
(12) Innovations
(13) increasing
(14) production
(15) rising
(16) stable
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. cultivation
Answer: (L) The process of growing plants or crops

2. transitioning
Answer: (A) Changing from one state or condition to another

3. revolutionizing
Answer: (N) Making a significant change or improvement

4. techniques
Answer: (G) Methods or ways of doing something

5. innovation
Answer: (K) A new method, idea, or product

6. uncertain
Answer: (O) Not known or definite

7. remarkable
Answer: (H) Worthy of attention; extraordinary

8. sustainable
Answer: (B) Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

9. lucrative
Answer: (F) Producing a great deal of profit

10. advancements
Answer: (C) Developments or improvements in a particular area

11. hygienic
Answer: (J) Clean and free from germs

12. profitability
Answer: (I) The ability to generate financial gain

13. poised
Answer: (E) Ready or prepared for something

14. agricultural
Answer: (M) Related to farming or cultivation of land

15. sector
Answer: (D) A distinct part or branch of a nation’s economy or society
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is makhana also known as?
Answer: (d) Lotus seeds

2. How is makhana traditionally harvested in northern India?
Answer: (a) By diving into deep, muddy ponds

3. Who played a key role in revolutionizing makhana cultivation?
Answer: (d) Dr. Manoj Kumar

4. What has the innovation in makhana cultivation helped farmers adapt to?
Answer: (b) Uncertain weather conditions and floods

5. What has the shift to makhana cultivation attracted more of?
Answer: (b) Farmers

6. What has Dhirendra Kumar achieved by switching to makhana cultivation?
Answer: (c) Increased profits and job opportunities for local women

7. What kind of advancements are underway in makhana processing?
Answer: (c) Machines to roast and pop the lotus seeds efficiently

8. What is the expected impact of the rising global demand for makhana?
Answer: (a) Keeping prices stable
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The shift towards makhana cultivation in Bihar is bringing about innovation, increased profitability, and job creation in the agricultural sector. (Answer: True)
2. Despite increasing production, the rising global demand for makhana is expected to cause prices to fluctuate. (Answer: False)
3. Makhana, also known as lotus seeds, is losing popularity in northern India due to its low nutritional value. (Answer: False)
4. Dhirendra Kumar, a farmer who switched to makhana cultivation, has increased his profits and created job opportunities for local women. (Answer: True)
5. Dr. Manoj Kumar has played a crucial role in revolutionizing makhana cultivation by developing techniques to grow lilies in shallow water fields. (Answer: True)
6. Companies like Madhubani Makhana are developing machines to roast and pop lotus seeds efficiently. (Answer: True)
7. The innovation in makhana cultivation has not helped farmers adapt to uncertain weather conditions and floods in the region. (Answer: False)
8. Farmers in northern India are transitioning from growing makhana in fields with shallower water to traditional deep pond harvesting. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧