Production and profitability of makhana (Euryale ferox salisb.) in aquatic ecosystem of North Bihar, India

Makhana (Fox Nut) is an aquatic cash crop largely grown in North Bihar region of India in ponds, lakes, low lying fields etc. It is highly nutritious food having wider religious uses. Makhana is mainly grown by resource poor farmers using local cultivars and traditional techniques. Present study was planned to find out the production system of makhana and farmers’ profitability in North Bihar. Data were collected from Makhana growers of Darbhanga and Madhubani districts using survey, personal observation and group discussion methods. Analysis of data revealed that makhana is mainly grown in leased out government ponds. Majority of farmers (94%) belonged to fishermen community with one third of them illiterate. The average annual income per household was around ₹48,000 only. About 46.7 per cent of farmers reported makhana cultivation as their primary source of income. The annual lease rate of ponds varied from ₹10000 to 15000 per ha. as per quality of pond. Average cost of cultivation was worked out to be ₹89,372/- per ha. with harvesting cost contributing maximum to the extent of 41 per cent. The net return from makhana cultivation was ₹41,432 per ha. after sale of their seed. The net return can be increased by reducing the cost of harvesting, which is possible with development of suitable machines for harvesting of makhana seed from bottom of ponds. Farmers’ producer organizations or cooperatives may help in processing and marketing of makhana.