Reducing Water Requirement for Makhana Farming: A Case Report
Manoj Kumar*
ICAR- Research Complex for Eastern Region, Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga, Bihar (846 005), India
Dibyanshu Shekhar
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jale, Darbhanga, Bihar (847 302), India
Amba Kumari
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jale, Darbhanga, Bihar (847 302), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Euryale ferox, Fox nut, Gorgon nut, Polythene lining
Abstract
Makhana (Euryale ferox) farming is many folds more remunerative than the majority of the conventionally grown field crops in India. With increasing realization of its economic prospects, farmers across the country have shown interest in makhana farming. However, the perception of very high water requirement for makhana crop remains a major hurdle for them. Traditionally, it is believed that a water depth of at least 5-6 ft is required for this crop, but recent studies confirm that makhana can be successfully grown in as less as 30 cm (1.0 ft) of standing water; even less (15-20 cm) during the vegetative growth. A farmer in the present case report showed the same. Also, a simple, cost effective and easily applicable technique of “polythene lining of the bunds”, substantially reduced the loss of costly irrigation water by lateral seepage through the bunds, reducing thereby the irrigation frequency required for maintaining a minimum-required water depth in makhana field, particularly before the onset of rainy season (March-May), the water-scare period.
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Reference
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