Drudery involved in traditional way of harvesting makhana seeds (Euryle ferox salisb) from ponds

Makhana is a kind of seed produced from an aquatic crop, which is normally grown in ponds. About, 80% of total Makhana comes from Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia and Katihar district of Bihar. A single Makhana plant produces about 100 seeds and there are about 10,000 plants in one ha of pond area. The yield of raw Makhana seed is about 1.8–2.0 t/ha of pond area. Harvesting of Makhana involves a lot of drufgery and is done in the month of August-October by diverse of "Mallah" community in the morning arond 6.00 - 11.00 a.m. A diver goes deep into the bottom surface of pond, lies down, hold his breath and drag the mud towards the bamboo pole locally known as "Kaara" with both palms. A heap of mud is formed near the base of bamboo pole which is later sieved with locally made bamboo screen called "Ganjaa". The collected seeds are put in "Ganjaa" and taken through the water surface where the seeds get cleaned. While doing this operation the diver has to adopt awkward posture for collecting the mud at one place. Also, mud enters into the diver's ears, eyes, nose and mouth. The divers are also affected from skin diseases due to this problem. It is necessary to address this issue to reduce the drudgery of diverse engaged in this operation.