Makhana (FOX NUT) farming is a unique agricultural practice mainly associated with the northern regions of India, especially Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Odessa, West Bengal, and Assam. Makhana is the seed of the Euryale Fox plant, a water lily species that grows in shallow water bodies like ponds, lakes, and marshes. The farming process is quite specialized and involves cultivating in aquatic environments, making it different from conventional crops.

Key Aspects of Makhana Farming

Cultivation Environment:

Makhana plants grow in stagnant or slow-moving water bodies like ponds, lakes, and marshes. The depth of the water is usually shallow, ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters.

Temperature: The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring temperatures between 25-30°C.

Soil Conditions: Makhana requires fertile, loamy, and slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6-8.

Varieties of Makhana:

Makhana plants are divided into various varieties based on the size, quality, and taste of the seeds. Some of the best varieties come from regions like Bihar's Darbhanga district, which is known for its superior quality of makhana.

Planting Process:

The seeds of Makhana are typically sown in the water in late spring or early summer (around April-May). The seeds need to be planted on the soil bed of the water body, either by hand or using mechanical tools.

Propagation: Makhana is propagated by seeds, which sprout and begin to grow after a few weeks. The plants develop large floating leaves, and the flowers begin to bloom in 2-3 months.

Growth Cycle:

Makhana or fox nut or Gorgon nut as it is commonly known, is cultivated either in water bodies/ponds having water depth of 4-6 ft. or in 1-2 ft deep shallow .The plants usually take 4-5 months to mature. They are submerged under water, with only the leaves and flowers floating on the surface. The flowering season occurs in mid-summer, and the mature seeds are harvested during the late autumn months (typically in October-November).

Pollination: Makhana plants are pollinated by insects and the movement of water. This pollination is crucial for the formation of seeds.

BlacknutAgrifood Machinery Pvt. Ltd has now introduced drone technique for better pollination and protecting the crop from various disease.

Harvesting:

In case of pond system of cultivation, it is interesting to know that during makhana harvest, experienced farmers engage divers to go deep into the bottom of the water body and pick up the matured makhana. This is done with the help of a horn shaped bamboo pole, locally known as the “Kara”. Later on, the mud is sieved through a locally made bamboo screen or sieve known as the “Ganiya”.

Harvesting is done when the seeds mature and turn brown. The seeds are collected from the pods, which are found submerged under water. This process is labor-intensive, and the seeds are carefully removed from the ponds.

Now Harvesting machines are introduced by BlacknutAgrifood Machinery Pvt. Ltd to mechanize the difficult process of Makhana harvesting.