Benefits of Fox Nuts (Makhana) for Farmers & Consumers

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the central government has announced the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar. This initiative aims to enhance the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana. The Board will provide training and support to makhana farmers and ensure they receive the benefits of relevant government schemes. Additionally, the government has announced the establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar to promote entrepreneurship, development, and increased farmer income.

Euryale ferox, commonly known as prickly waterlily, Makhana, or Gorgon plant, is a species of water lily native to southern and eastern Asia. Its edible seeds, known as fox nuts or makhana, are widely consumed across Asia. In India, Bihar accounts for 90% of the world’s fox nut production. In 1990–1991, approximately 96,000 hectares of land in Bihar, particularly in the Mithila region, were dedicated to its cultivation.

Traditionally, fox nuts have been harvested by divers without breathing equipment, diving to depths of around 8 feet (2.4 meters) in freshwater ponds. This labor-intensive process poses health risks due to mud exposure and the plant’s thorny structure. The National Research Centre for Makhana has pioneered a more efficient cultivation method, involving field flooding to a depth of 1 foot (0.30 meters). This has simplified production and harvesting, leading to an expansion of cultivated land to over 90,000 acres. The center has also developed a higher-yield variety and is working on designing a mechanized harvesting tool to further improve efficiency.

Benefits of Makhana for Producers:

Makhana farming offers several economic advantages to farmers and local workers:

1. Higher Financial Returns – Ensures fair pricing and reduces the role of intermediaries, increasing farmer profits.
2. Employment Opportunities – Processing units create jobs, especially benefiting local workers and women.
3. Premium Market Demand – As a luxury snack, high-quality makhana commands higher prices in the market.
4. Adaptability to Waterlogged Areas – Can be cultivated in marginal lands unsuitable for other crops.
5. Climate Resilience – A sustainable crop that helps mitigate the impact of extreme weather conditions.
6. Land Utilization – Offers an effective way to cultivate otherwise underutilized or degraded lands.

Benefits of Makhana for Consumers:

1. Nutrient-Rich and Organic – A fully organic, non-cereal food with high nutritional value.
2. Low Fat, High Carbohydrates – Distinct from other nuts, making it a healthier snack option.
3. Rich in Essential Nutrients – Contains high amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
4. Promotes Better Sleep – Known to be effective in managing insomnia naturally.
5. High in Calcium – Provides 60 mg of calcium per 100g, supporting bone health.
6. Aids Digestion – High fiber content supports a healthy metabolism and improves digestion.
7. Anti-aging Properties – Rich in kaempferol, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-aging benefits.
8. Heart Health Benefits – Contains medicinal properties believed to strengthen the heart and improve cardiovascular function.
9. Regulates Blood Pressure – Helps in maintaining balanced blood pressure levels.

With its vast benefits for both producers and consumers, makhana continues to be a valuable agricultural and nutritional asset, supporting economic growth and health improvements across India and beyond.