The Bihar government has urged the Centre to declare the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana.
About Makhana:
- Makhana, or Foxnut, is an aquatic crop grown in stagnant perennial water bodies such as ponds, land depressions, oxbow lakes, swamps, and ditches.
- It is primarily cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates.
- Known for its seeds, referred to as Black Diamond, Makhana is utilized both as food and in medicinal applications.
Climatic Conditions for Makhana Cultivation
- Temperature: Ideally between 20°C and 35°C.
- Relative Humidity: Ranges from 50% to 90%.
- Annual Rainfall: Required rainfall is between 100 cm and 250 cm.
- Soil: Prefers smooth loamy soil for optimal growth.
Regions of Makhana Cultivation
- Native Regions: South-East Asia and China, with global distribution.
- Major Producer: India, particularly in Bihar, which accounts for over 80% of the country’s total production.
- Other Indian states involved include West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Commercial production is concentrated in a few states despite wider distribution.
Benefits of Makhana:
- Makhana seeds are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, proteins (15-20%), and minerals.
- Recognized for its extensive use in traditional medicine and as a nutritious food.
- Offers numerous health protection effects and is involved in the Union government’s One District One Product scheme to encourage local production and processing.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Makhana?
Makhana, or Foxnut, is an aquatic crop cultivated primarily in tropical and subtropical climates, such as Bihar in India, which accounts for over 80% of the country’s production.
What is an oxbow lake?
An oxbow lake is a curved lake formed at a former meander of a river, often utilized for cultivating aquatic crops like Makhana.