Makhana, also know as Fox Nut is a stellar example of how an Indigenous Indian agricultural produce can be successfully positioned as a health superfood and marketed to cater the global consumers.
Makhana is traditionally cultivated in lowland ponds with stagnant freshwater bodies. India is the global leader in Makhana production with 90% of the world’s supply of Fox Nut coming from the Indian state of Bihar. Districts such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Purnia, Saharsa, Katihar, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria are active in Makhana production. Makhana is the legacy of the state of Bihar with favourable climatic conditions and fertile soil.
The total area under Makhana cultivation in India is estimated at 15,000 hectares which yields approx. 1,20,000 metric tons of raw seeds annually. The Makhana growing period is from around March to August with Monsoons in North India benefitting the crop, seed harvesting starts from September and goes till January.
National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM) based out of Darbhanga is developing modern techniques to increase the yield of as well as making it a less labour intensive task. Traditionally the local tribal labourers or Adivasi’s dive into the pond and manually collect the seeds from the bottom. However, this becomes a physically challenging task. Technology and modern cultivation techniques today allow the cultivation of Makhana seeds in a 1.5 feet shallow pool making it manageable as opposed to deep natural ponds. This is called the field cultivation system. This new method has increased the yield of Makhana from 11-15 quintals per hectare to 25-30 quintals per hectare.
NRCM has been quite active and hands-on in advancements in Makhana cultivation. They have trained over 3000 farmers in advanced cultivation techniques between Years 2012 and 2023. They have also focused on capacity building for women, empowering them and contributing towards increased rural livelihoods.
This shift from natural deep ponds to field cultivation system has led to a socio-economic transformation in the region. Not only has it reduced cultivation efforts and time, it has also promoted inter cropping thereby improving soil fertility and an increased income for the farmers. It has also increased job opportunities, especially for local women as they can easily work in shallow pools that do not require diving or swimming skills. These new methods have led to profitable and environment friendly agricultural practices, improved rural livelihood, food security, women empowerment and gender equality.
States of Assam, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Tripura are also emerging as producers of Makhana due to mechanisation of the processes.
मखाना, जिसे फॉक्स नट के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, इस बात का एक उत्कृष्ट उदाहरण है कि किस प्रकार एक स्वदेशी भारतीय कृषि उत्पाद को स्वास्थ्यवर्धक सुपरफूड के रूप में सफलतापूर्वक प्रस्तुत किया जा सकता है तथा वैश्विक उपभोक्ताओं की आवश्यकताओं को पूरा करने के लिए विपणन किया जा सकता है।
In this season of 2025, mango prices in Karnataka have witnessed an alarming decline. The Totapuri variety of mango has been the most notable for the price decline. This has raised an alarm and both the Central and Karnataka Government are taking necessary actions.
It is absolutely possible to change the composition of your body. You can build muscle and lose fat at the same time. This process requires time and discipline to achieve the best results.
जानिए वो बेहतरीन हेयर प्रोडक्ट्स जो नमी में भी आपके बालों को स्ट्रेट और फ्रिज़-फ्री बनाए रखें। खास तौर पर मानसून के लिए।
