Makhana (Fox Nut)

Context

Following the announced of the formation of a Makhana Board in Bihar, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with Makhana producers in Darbhanga district, where he also accompanied farmers to sow seeds.

Bihar's government has advocated for measures to promote Makhana cultivation, including the minimum support price for Makhana.

About Makhana (Fox Nut):

Makhana (Fox Nut) is the dried seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox), found in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia.
It is known for its violet and white flowers, large prickly leaves, and black to brown seeds.
Makhana is often consumed as ‘lava’ (popped snacks) and is highly nutritious, rich in carbohydrates, protein, and minerals.
GI Tag: In 2022, Mithila Makhana received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. A GI tag is granted to products with qualities linked to a specific region and is valid for 10 years, renewable thereafter.
Makhana Production in India:

Bihar: Accounts for 90% of India’s Makhana production, concentrated in 9 districts in northern and eastern Bihar (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi), with the first four contributing 80% of the output.
Also cultivated in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, and in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.

Climatic Requirements:

It is grown in tropical and subtropical regions, in water bodies such as ponds and wetlands with shallow depths (4-6 feet).
It requires 20-35°C temperature, 50-90% humidity, and 100-250 cm of annual rainfall for optimal growth.