Makhana: The Nutrient-Rich Aquatic Crop with Economic Potential

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Why in News

Makhana is gaining commercial importance due to its high nutritional value, increasing demand in national and international markets, and government initiatives to boost its cultivation in India.

Makhana:

Scientific Name: Euryale ferox
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Common Names: Makhana (Hindi), Fox Nut, Gorgon Nut (English).
India is the largest producer, contributing approximately 70-80% of the total supply. Other countries cultivating it include China, Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, and Russia.
Makhana seeds are also called as Black Diamond. It is a plant of tropical and subtropical climate.
Makhana plant is considered as a native of South-East Asia and China, but distributed to almost every part of the world.
Uses: Widely consumed as a snack, in curries, and sweets. It has medicinal and nutritional benefits.
Domestic Market: Annual sale of 8,000-10,000 tonnes, priced at Rs. 200-500/kg.
Global Demand: High in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Recognition as a Superfood: Due to its high nutritional value and low glycaemic index.

Climatic Requirements:

Temperature: 20-35°C
Humidity: 50-90%
Annual Rainfall: 100-250 cm
Thrives in stagnant perennial water bodies like ponds, land depressions, oxbow lakes, and ditches with a depth of 0.2-2 meters.
Grows in sediment-rich, muddy, and organic matter-laden soils.

Makhana Cultivation Process:

Cultivated in ponds or shallow agricultural fields (1-2 feet deep) with minimal investment.
New plants sprout from seeds left from previous harvests, reducing input costs.
Farming Techniques: Includes thinning overgrown plants, transplanting in sparse areas, and minimal use of insecticides.
Seed Broadcasting: Direct sowing or natural regeneration.
Post-Harvest Processing: Removing membranous cover, drying, and grading for further processing.

Impact on Soil Fertility:

Makhana cultivation enriches soil fertility over time by adding biomass and nutrients:

Nutrient Composition of Plant: 0.48% Phosphorus (P), 0.40% Potassium (K), 0.31% Nitrogen (N), 2200 mg/kg Iron (Fe), 1000 mg/kg Manganese (Mn), 8.0 mg/kg Copper (Cu), 105 mg/kg Zinc (Zn).
Nutrient Contribution to Soil: Adds 34.35 kg/ha Nitrogen, 56.04 kg/ha Phosphorus, 53.07 kg/ha Potassium, 27.26 kg/ha Iron, and 12.31 kg/ha Manganese annually, enhancing sustainable soil management.

Major Makhana Producing States:

Bihar: Contributes 80-90% of India’s Makhana production. Major districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria, Sitamarhi.
Assam, West Bengal, and parts of Uttar Pradesh also cultivate Makhana.

Government Initiatives:

State governments offer up to 50% subsidies to farmers.
NABARD provides financial assistance for cultivation and processing.
Government aims to expand Makhana cultivation to 20,000 hectares.
ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region has introduced high-yielding varieties like ‘Swarna Vaidehi.’

Challenges in Makhana Cultivation: