Makhana: Market Outlook, Cultivation and Bihar’s Dominance
Why in the news
Rising global demand and modern farming lifted makhana prospects. The Centre backed it with a scheme and a National Makhana Board.
Key facts
- Scientific name: Euryale ferox, of the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae).
- Edible part: the starchy seed, processed and popped into fox nuts or gorgon nuts.
- Global share: India supplies 85-90% of world output; Nepal, Bangladesh, China and Japan have small pockets.
Growing conditions
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Still, shallow freshwater such as ponds, beels and flood-prone lowlands |
| Climate | Warm and humid |
| Depth | 1 to 1.5 metres |
| Bed | Clayey or alluvial, organic-rich |
Bihar and other states
- Bihar produces almost 90% of India’s makhana, mainly in Mithilanchal and Kosi-Seemanchal (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar and others).
- Flood-prone land useless for regular crops becomes a cash-crop asset.
- GI tag: Mithila Makhana (2022), registered by Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh, Purnia.
- Smaller cultivation in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Manipur.
Exam angle
- Botanical name: Euryale ferox.
- GI year: 2022.