Unlocking Assam's Potential: Makhana Cultivation for Economic Growth
Exploring Makhana Cultivation in Assam
AMINGAON, Nov 2: Experts highlight the significant potential of Assam's extensive wetland resources for makhana cultivation, which could lead to agricultural diversification, rural job creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities. They emphasize the need for a scientific and market-driven approach to develop this sector.
According to Dr. Ramani Kanta Thakuria, Director of Open and Distance Learning at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), the state possesses nearly 100,000 hectares of natural wetlands suitable for makhana, also known as fox nut or gorgon nut. While a precise survey of the area under natural growth is pending, estimates suggest it ranges from 40,000 to 50,000 hectares.
During a discussion at the Horticulture Research Station in Kahikuchi, he noted that the crop thrives in various beels and wetlands throughout Assam. Initial studies from 2012 revealed that approximately 50-60 tonnes of makhana seeds were harvested annually from around 10,000 hectares in the districts of Jorhat, Sivasagar, and Dibrugarh.
Dr. Thakuria pointed out that Assam's humid subtropical climate, coupled with high rainfall and plentiful water resources, is conducive to makhana cultivation. Even in low-lying areas where paddy farming is not economically viable, makhana can be cultivated using field methods. This crop requires less water than paddy, providing farmers with an opportunity to diversify their agricultural practices.
Makhana is recognized as a nutritious snack due to its low fat content, balanced protein, and 18 essential amino acids. Additionally, it creates job opportunities in various stages of production, including harvesting, drying, grading, popping, packaging, and marketing.
Dr. Ranjita Bezbaruah, an agronomy scientist at AAU, mentioned that a lack of awareness remains a significant barrier to growth. She emphasized the importance of scientific cultivation to ensure sufficient seed production, noting that shallow water bodies, ponds, and lowland rice fields are ideal for this crop.
Dr. Thakuria further explained that the field method requires a water depth of approximately 1 to 1.5 feet and can yield higher productivity compared to traditional pond and beel cultivation. Maintaining open spaces covering 10-20% of the water surface is crucial for sunlight penetration and aeration.
Experts have observed extensive growth of makhana leaves in Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary from February to April, noting that the plant serves as a preferred food source for wild elephants. These animals enter the wetland to feed on the plant and its fruits, leaving the leaves largely untouched, which allows sunlight to reach the water surface. This natural interaction is seen as a beneficial solution to ecological challenges.
However, Dr. Thakuria cautioned that the crop requires around three meters of water for optimal growth and reliable production under traditional methods. Sudden changes in water levels can harm the crop, and the premature drying of natural water bodies due to climate change presents an additional risk. He also highlighted the necessity for quality control, appropriate packaging, and scientific land-use planning to safeguard wetland biodiversity and fisheries.
Dr. Thakuria advocated for agro-climatic suitability mapping at district, block, and village levels, along with pilot projects to facilitate gradual expansion with government backing and support from farmers' organizations. With an established makhana-popping industry in Assam, enhancing local production and processing could satisfy the increasing demand across the Northeast and open up both national and international markets.