Makhana Farming for Maximizing Farm Income: A Success Story
Manoj Kumar*
ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, RCM, Darbhanga, Bihar (846 004), India
Dibyanshu Shekhar
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jale, Darbhanga, Bihar (847 302), India
Amba Kumari
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jale, Darbhanga, Bihar (847 302), India
R. P. Prasad
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jale, Darbhanga, Bihar (847 302), India
B. P. Bhatt
ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar (800 014), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Euryale ferox, Fox nut, Gorgon nut, Makhana cultivation
Abstract
In view of the economical importance of makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.), its seed has been deservedly called as ‘Black Diamond’. Given its rapidly rising global demand, the crop holds great promise for eastern India, particularly Mithilanchal region of north Bihar. Here we present the success story of a young PhD scholar who, vexed by recurrent flood-induced damages to the traditional cereal crop(s) and fascinated by economic prospect of makhana farming, opted for makhana cultivation in his three hectares of lowland area. Trained at Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga, and assisted on-site by KVK, Jale, the student-turned farmer earned an income three to four folds higher than what his family used to earn from the same piece of land. With experience, he further aims to double his farm income by integrating fish farming on the same land, setting an example for the young educated rural youth of Mithilanchal region.
Downloads
not found
Reference
Kumar, L., Gupta, V.K., Jha, B.K, Singh, I.S., Bhatt, B.P., Singh, A.K., 2011. Status of makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) cultivation in India. Technical Bulletin No.R-32/PAT-21. ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna.
Kumar, M., Raut, S.M., Bhatt, B.P., Kumar, L., 2020. Scientific cultivation of makhana for improving farmers’ livelihood in eastern India. Biotica Research Today, 2(7), 670-672.
Singh I.S., Kumar, M., Raut, S.M., Thakur, A.K., Singh, S.P., 2020. Integrated nutrient management package for field cultivation of Makhana in North Bihar. Journal of AgriSearch, 7(3), 138-141.