Important for UPSC Prelims: Economy
About Makhana
- Makhana (Fox Nut) is the edible seed of an aquatic plant, Euryale ferox, belonging to the Water Lily family (Nymphaeaceae).
- It is an important aquatic cash crop valued for its high nutritional and medicinal properties.
- The crop is widely used as a healthy snack, in traditional cuisine, and in Ayurvedic medicine.
Habitat & Cultivation
- Makhana is cultivated in stagnant perennial water bodies such as ponds, oxbow lakes, swamps, marshes and waterlogged fields.
- It is a tropical and subtropical crop requiring warm and humid conditions.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Temperature: 20°C–35°C
- Rainfall: 100–250 cm
- Relative Humidity: 50–90%
- Soil: Smooth loamy soil
Distribution in India
- India is the largest producer of Makhana in the world.
- Bihar is the leading producer, contributing about 80–90% of the country’s production.
Government Initiatives
1. National Makhana Board
- The National Makhana Board was launched on 15 September 2025 at Purnea, Bihar, following the announcement in the Union Budget 2025–26.
- The Board aims to strengthen the production, processing, value addition and exports of Makhana while improving farmers’ income.
2. One District One Product (ODOP)
- Makhana has been identified as an ODOP product in Bihar. Under the scheme, the government supports branding, processing, packaging, marketing, and export infrastructure to promote value addition and improve farmers’ income.
GI Tag
- Mithila Makhana received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2022.
- The GI tag protects its unique geographical identity and enhances its market value.
Conclusion
Makhana is an important nutri-cereal-like aquatic cash crop that combines nutritional value, export potential and rural livelihood generation.
| This concept has been mentioned in the following article APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Sea Shipment of Value-Added Makhana to Canada |