In northern India, farmers have been growing makhana, also called lotus seeds, for many years. A farmer named Phool dev Shahni used to collect these seeds from deep ponds. Now, farmers like him are growing makhana in fields with shallow water. This new way is easier and helps farmers earn more money.
Dr. Manoj Kumar helped change how makhana is grown by creating new methods. He showed farmers how to grow these seeds in shallow water, which is easier and more profitable. This change has helped farmers make three times more money. With new seed types and techniques, makhana farming is now better for the environment and helps farmers deal with bad weather.
Growing makhana has changed farming in Bihar and helped farmers like Dhirendra Kumar. He switched from other crops to makhana and made more money, creating jobs for others too. Companies like Madhubani Makhana are also helping by processing and selling makhana around the world. As more people want makhana, these new ways of growing and selling it are making farming better in the area.
Original news source: The 'superfood' taking over fields in northern India (BBC)
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Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to summarize the article in their own words in 3-4 sentences. Encourage them to focus on the main idea and key points while practicing their paraphrasing skills.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Provide each group with a list of vocabulary words from the article (e.g., makhana, farmer, pond, profit). One student from each group will choose a word and draw it on the board while the other group members try to guess the word. This activity will help reinforce their understanding of the new vocabulary.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask students to think about and write down two questions they have about the article. Then, have them pair up with a classmate to discuss their questions. Finally, open up the discussion to the whole class, allowing students to share their questions and thoughts. This activity promotes critical thinking and speaking skills.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one group in favor of traditional farming methods and the other in favor of modern techniques like growing makhana in shallow water. Have students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method within their groups. Then, conduct a class poll to see which method the majority of the students prefer and why. This activity encourages students to express their opinions and practice persuasive language.
– Sketch It
Instructions: Pair up the students and ask them to choose a key point from the article (e.g., growing makhana in shallow water) to sketch out. Set a time limit for the sketching activity. Afterward, each pair presents their sketch to the class, explaining the chosen point. This activity combines creativity, speaking practice, and comprehension of the article.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
Lotus seeds.
They used to collect them from deep ponds.
Dr. Manoj Kumar helped farmers change how they grow makhana.
It has made growing makhana easier and more profitable for farmers.
He switched because he could make more money growing makhana.
They are processing and selling makhana around the world.
The new ways are making farming better by helping farmers earn more money and creating jobs for others.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
In northern India, farmers have been growing makhana, also called seeds, for years. A farmer named dev Shahni used to collect these seeds from deep ponds. Now, farmers like him are growing makhana in fields with shallow water. This new way is easier and helps farmers earn more money. Dr. Kumar helped change how makhana is grown by creating new methods. He farmers how to grow these seeds in water, which is easier and more profitable. This change has helped farmers make three times more money. With new seed types and , makhana farming is now better for the environment and helps farmers deal with bad weather. Growing makhana has changed farming in Bihar and helped farmers like Kumar. He from other crops to makhana and made more money, creating jobs for others too. like Madhubani Makhana are also helping by and selling makhana around the world. As more want makhana, these new ways of growing and selling it are making farming better in the area.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is makhana and why do you think farmers in India grow it?
2. How would you feel if you were a farmer and learned a new way to grow a crop that helped you earn more money?
3. Do you like the idea of trying new methods to grow crops like makhana, even if it might be different from what you're used to? Why or why not?
4. Do you think it's important for farmers to adapt to new ways of farming to make more money and help the environment? Why or why not?
5. What do you think about Dhirendra Kumar switching from other crops to makhana and making more money?
6. How do you think companies like Madhubani Makhana are helping farmers by processing and selling makhana around the world?
7. Why do you think more people are interested in buying and eating makhana now?
8. Have you ever tried a new food that you ended up really liking? How did you feel about it?
9. Do you think it's good for farmers to try growing different crops to see which one is more profitable? Why or why not?
10. How do you think the new ways of growing makhana are making farming better in the area?
11. Why do you think it's important for farmers to find crops that can withstand bad weather conditions?
12. If you were a farmer, would you consider switching to growing makhana based on the benefits mentioned in the article? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
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