Makhana Cultivation using Monsoon Water: A Success Story

Abstract

Makhana is an annual aquatic nut belonging to the Nymphaeceae family that can be grown as a rainy season crop in low land, ponds and lakes where stagnant water pools exist. Makhana pop is well known for its edible protein (10.0%) and medicinal ingredients like quercetin, kaempferol flavonoids and presence of distinct amino acids like arginine and histidine. Besides, it contains various macro and micronutrients. Bihar produces 90% of total makhana production in the world. Due to rapid urbanization, the production area is decreasing. Makhana production on monsoon water, which could enhance additional production in semi-wetlands from freshwater ecosystems and encourage farmers for extending their cultivation time and more income. A yield of 1.7-2.0 tones ha⁻¹ was recorded which could render economic net profit of INR 1,30,000.00 to the producer.