Makhana farming has become one of the highest-returning aquatic crops in India, with net profit potential of Rs.4–10 lakh per acre for farmers who follow scientific cultivation methods. Bihar's Mithila belt has cultivated this crop for centuries, and the creation of the National Makhana Board under the Union Budget 2025–26 — backed by a Rs.476.03 crore six-year development package — has brought renewed institutional attention to the sector. This guide covers pond setup costs, recommended varieties, the step-by-step cultivation method, profit calculations, government subsidies, and frequently asked questions for farmers in Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. Key Facts at a Glance Crop Type Aquatic cash crop (Euryale ferox Salisb.) Major Growing States Bihar (85–90% of national output), West Bengal, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Assam Sowing Season February–March (transplanting April–May) Harvest Season August–October Yield — Traditional Variety 1.6–1.9 tonnes/hectare (approx. 8–10 quintals/acre) Yield — Swarna Vaidehi (ICAR) 2.8–3.0 tonnes/hectare (approx. 11–12 quintals/acre) Raw Seed Market Price Rs.28,000–33,000 per quintal (2026) Cultivation Cost Per Acre Rs.80,000–1,30,000 (pond system) Net Profit Per Acre (With Processing) Rs.4,00,000–10,00,000 Benefit-Cost Ratio 1.52 to 2.16 (ICAR data) National Makhana Board Budget Rs.476.03 crore (2025–2031) GI Tag Mithila Makhana (Geographical Indication protected) What Is Makhana Farming? Makhana farming is the cultivation of Euryale ferox Salisb., an aquatic plant belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae that produces edible seeds commonly known as foxnuts or lotus seeds in English and makhana in Hindi. India produces the majority of the world's makhana supply, and within India, Bihar contributes 85–90% of national production, concentrated in the districts of Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria. The crop is grown in stagnant waterlogged ponds, land depressions, oxbow lakes, and flooded paddy fields. Raw seed typically sells at Rs.28,000–33,000 per quintal, while processed (popped) makhana sold at retail can fetch Rs.600–1,800 per kg, making on-farm or local processing a significant income multiplier. The Union Budget 2025–26 announced the creation of a National Makhana Board with a Rs.476.03 crore package for 2025–2031, alongside the existing Mithila Makhana GI tag and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga. Together these initiatives represent a substantial increase in government support for the crop. Who Should Consider Makhana Farming? Farmers in Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, or Assam with access to waterlogged land, natural ponds, or oxbow lakes Farmers with seasonal waterlogging in paddy areas, where the ICAR field system allows cultivation in as little as 30 cm of standing water Farmers already practising fish cultivation in ponds, where integrated makhana-fish-water chestnut systems can multiply income from the same water body Farmers considering a shift away from paddy on comparable waterlogged land, given makhana's higher potential per-acre returns Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) members and agricultural entrepreneurs, particularly given institutional support now available through the National Makhana Board Farmers interested in value addition through roasting, grading, and packaging, which can significantly increase realised income over raw seed sale Women farmers and Self-Help Group (SHG) members in the Mithila region, a priority group under National Makhana Board programming Makhana Profit Per Acre — Income Breakdown Profit per acre depends on the variety grown, the cultivation system used, and whether the farmer sells raw seed or processes it into popped makhana. The following is a general breakdown based on 2026 market conditions and ICAR-reported yield data: Item Pond System (Traditional) Field System (Swarna Vaidehi) Yield Per Acre (Raw Seed) 8–10 quintals 11–12 quintals Market Price Per Quintal (2026) Rs.28,000–33,000 Rs.28,000–33,000 Gross Revenue Per Acre Rs.2,24,000–3,30,000 Rs.3,08,000–3,96,000 Cultivation Cost Per Acre Rs.80,000–1,00,000 Rs.1,00,000–1,30,000 Net Profit (Raw Seed Sale) Rs.1,24,000–2,30,000 Rs.1,78,000–2,66,000 Profit With Processing (Popped) Rs.4,00,000–6,00,000 Rs.6,00,000–10,00,000 Benefit-Cost Ratio (ICAR data) 1.52–1.80 1.80–2.16 Pond owners who lease their water bodies to cultivators can also earn income under lease arrangements, commonly reported in the Darbhanga and Madhubani belt. Processing remains the largest gap in value capture: a substantial share of the trade-level value of makhana is realised by processors rather than primary growers, which is why farmers who invest in their own roasting and grading capacity, using ICAR-recommended methods, are able to capture a larger share of the final market price. Top Makhana Varieties Three varieties are recommended for commercial cultivation, developed or validated by ICAR institutions: Variety Developer Yield (Quintals/Ha) Best For Key Feature Swarna Vaidehi ICAR-NRC Makhana, Darbhanga 28–30 q/ha Pond + Field System Higher yield; grows in as little as 30 cm water Sabour Makhana-1 Bihar Agricultural University (BAU Sabour) 22–26 q/ha Pond + Field System Larger pop size (7+ Suta); relatively pest-resistant Local/Traditional Farmer-selected seed 16–19 q/ha Established ponds only Self-regenerating; no seed purchase cost Swarna Vaidehi, developed by ICAR's National Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga, is generally recommended for new entrants. It is reported to yield 28–30 quintals per hectare compared with 16–19 q/ha for traditional varieties, and can reportedly be grown in as little as 30 cm of standing water — a factor that extends cultivation to farmers without access to deep ponds. Certified Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 seed has been made available at a subsidised rate under Bihar's Makhana Avayav Scheme 2025–26; farmers should confirm current rates with their district horticulture office, as subsidy terms can change between seasons. Pond Setup — Cost, Depth, and Design Pond design determines water retention, plankton growth, and ultimately yield. General parameters recommended for the two main systems: Parameter Pond System Field System (ICAR Method) Water Depth at Transplanting 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) 6 inches (15–30 cm) Water Depth at Flowering 4–6 feet maintained Minimum 1 foot Ideal Pond Size 1–5 acres Any waterlogged field Pond Construction Cost (1 Acre) Rs.60,000–1,20,000 Rs.15,000–30,000 (bunding only) Soil Type Clay/silt loam Clay loam; high water retention Water Source Rainwater / seasonal flood Groundwater pump + rain Fertiliser: NPK (per hectare) 100:60:40 kg + 15 tonnes organic manure Same; applied during field preparation Total Setup Cost (1 Acre) Rs.2,00,000–3,20,000 Rs.80,000–1,30,000 Select a site where water remains stagnant for at least 6 months, from roughly May through October, and avoid areas with strong water current. Clay or silt-loam soils retain water best. When constructing a new pond, bunding height should be at least 1.5 feet above the maximum expected water level to prevent overflow during the monsoon. Reliance on groundwater alone to fill ponds should be minimised where possible, as borewell pumping raises operating costs and is a growing concern in areas of declining surface water availability. Note: Farmers with seasonal waterlogging in paddy fields may be able to use the ICAR field system to grow Swarna Vaidehi in as little as 30 cm of water, at substantially lower setup cost than pond construction. After the makhana harvest, the same field can often be used for rabi crops such as wheat, lentil, or gram. Step-by-Step Cultivation Process Makhana cultivation runs over a 5–6 month growing season. Consistent water management and timing are critical to yield outcomes. Site Selection (December–January): Identify a pond or field with clay/silt-loam soil capable of holding water for 6 or more months. For the field system, ensure the land can be bunded to retain approximately 30 cm of water from April through October. Seed Pre-Germination (January–February): Collect seed from mature plants and store in dry, cool conditions. Pre-germinate in shallow water (5–10 cm depth) for 2–3 weeks until root sprouts appear. Pond/Field Preparation (February–March): Apply 100:60:40 kg NPK fertiliser plus 15 tonnes organic manure per hectare during preparation. For the pond system, plough the pond bottom in the dry season before filling. Sowing (February–March): Broadcast pre-germinated seed onto the water surface or into shallow standing water for the pond system; transplant seedlings for the field system. Transplanting (April–May): Transplant seedlings 30–40 days after germination into the main pond or field. Maintain water level at 4–6 feet for the pond system, or a minimum of 6 inches for the field system. Water Management (May–October): Maintain consistent water depth throughout the season. Provide supplementary irrigation in the field system during dry spells, and maintain at least 1 foot of water from flowering through harvest. Fertiliser Top-Dressing (June): Apply a second dose of nitrogen at flowering initiation to support seed set and pod fill. Avoid exceeding recommended NPK ratios, as over-fertilisation can damage aquatic ecology. Flowering and Fruiting (May–November): Flowering begins in May and continues into November. Pods typically mature 30–40 days after flowering, floating to the surface when ripe before settling to the pond bottom. Harvesting (August–October): Harvesting is done by diving to collect ripe seed from the pond bottom, traditionally by skilled workers from the Mallah community. Seeds are collected in nets and bags. Post-Harvest Processing: Sun-dry seeds for 2–3 days, then roast in cast-iron pans at high heat to produce popped makhana (lawa). Grading by size determines market value, with larger grades commanding higher prices. Pond System vs Field System Parameter Pond System (Traditional) Field System (ICAR Modern) Water Depth Required 4–6 feet 30 cm minimum Setup Cost (1 Acre) Rs.2,00,000–3,20,000 Rs.80,000–1,30,000 Yield Per Hectare 16–19 q/ha (traditional variety) 28–30 q/ha (Swarna Vaidehi) Seed Regeneration Self-regenerating from pond bed Annual replanting required Harvest Difficulty High — deep diving required Moderate — shallow wading Off-Season Use of Land Limited (water body year-round) Rabi crops possible (wheat, lentil) Integrated Farming Fish + water chestnut possible Makhana only during kharif season Best For Farmers with existing pond access Paddy farmers with seasonal waterlogging For farmers without an existing pond, the ICAR field system using Swarna Vaidehi generally involves lower setup cost and higher reported yield than the traditional pond system, with the added benefit of rabi cropping on the same land. Farmers with existing ponds may find integrating Sabour Makhana-1 with fish and water chestnut cultivation more suited to maximising returns from that water body. Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Significant profit potential per acre relative to paddy on comparable waterlogged land Growing export demand in health food and superfood categories Expanding government support through the National Makhana Board, state-level seed subsidy schemes, and APEDA export promotion Relatively low weed and pest pressure, reducing pesticide input and supporting organic certification Strong value-addition potential, with popped makhana commanding a significant premium over raw seed Disadvantages Highly labour-intensive harvest, dependent on skilled divers whose availability is limited in some areas; labour is typically the largest cost component Water dependency, with declining surface water in parts of Bihar increasingly requiring borewell water and raising costs A processing skill gap, as roasting and popping require experienced labour and specific equipment, limiting the share of raw seed converted into export-ready product Limited mechanisation, with no efficient mechanical harvester currently available for pond-based cultivation ICAR-CIPHET developed Makhana processing technologies Important Terms Euryale ferox: The scientific name of the makhana plant, an aquatic perennial of the family Nymphaeaceae, also known as foxnut, lotus seed, or gorgon nut. Lawa: Popped makhana — the processed form produced by roasting raw seed at high heat until it bursts open; the commercially sold consumer product. Suta: The traditional grading system for popped makhana based on pop size; larger grades command higher prices. Bataiya System: A traditional profit-sharing arrangement between pond-owning landlords and cultivators, under which harvested yield is divided between the two parties. Mithila Makhana GI Tag: The Geographical Indication tag protecting makhana grown in the Mithila region of Bihar, intended to assure quality and support price premiums in domestic and export markets. Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR): The ratio of gross returns to total cultivation cost; ICAR-reported figures for makhana range from approximately 1.52 to 2.16. ICAR-NRC Makhana: The ICAR National Research Centre for Makhana, headquartered in Darbhanga, Bihar — the principal research institution for makhana varietal development and agronomic guidance. FPO (Farmer Producer Organisation): A government-recognised farmer collective; the National Makhana Board supports organising makhana growers into FPOs for market access, credit, and export linkage. Common Facility Centre (CFC): Government-supported processing hubs intended for machine-popping, grading, and packaging of makhana in key producing districts. Government Support and the National Makhana Board Scheme/Programme Authority Reported Benefit Target Group National Makhana Board Union Government / Ministry of Agriculture Rs.476.03 crore (2025–2031); FPO formation, processing infrastructure, export access Makhana farmers nationally; headquartered in Purnea Makhana Avayav Scheme 2025-26 Bihar Government (under MIDH) Subsidised certified seed; tool kits; DBT payment Farmers in select Bihar districts; women farmers prioritised Makhana Vikas Yojana Uttar Pradesh Government Pond development, farmer training, buyer-seller meets UP farmers in waterlogged areas Common Facility Centres National Makhana Board Subsidy on modern tools; machine-popping and packaging units Select districts including Katihar, Purnea, Darbhanga APEDA Export Promotion APEDA (Ministry of Commerce) Certification support for export market entry Processors and FPOs preparing for export Farmers should verify current subsidy amounts, eligibility criteria, and application procedures directly with their district horticulture office or the National Makhana Board, as scheme terms are subject to revision between budget cycles. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Which states are best suited for makhana farming?Bihar accounts for the large majority of Indian makhana production, concentrated in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria districts. West Bengal, Manipur, and Assam are also established growing areas, with Uttar Pradesh expanding cultivation under state-level schemes.2. How much profit can a farmer expect per acre?Profit depends heavily on whether seed is sold raw or processed. Raw seed sale typically yields a smaller net margin than processed (popped) makhana, which commands significantly higher per-kg prices. Actual returns vary by variety, system, input cost, and market price at time of sale.3. What is the recommended variety for new growers in 2026?Swarna Vaidehi, developed by ICAR-NRC Makhana Darbhanga, is generally recommended for its higher reported yield and ability to grow in shallow water, making it suitable for paddy field conversion. Sabour Makhana-1 is a second option offering larger pop size and pest resistance.4. Can makhana be grown without a dedicated pond?Yes. The ICAR field system allows cultivation in as little as 30 cm of standing water, making it feasible for farmers with seasonally waterlogged paddy fields rather than a constructed pond.5. What is the best time to sow and harvest makhana?Sowing typically occurs in February–March, with transplanting in April–May. Flowering runs from May through November, and the main harvest period is August–October.6. What government subsidies are available?Bihar's Makhana Avayav Scheme provides subsidised certified seed and tool kits via Direct Benefit Transfer. The National Makhana Board supports processing infrastructure subsidies and export certification assistance. Farmers should confirm current terms with their district horticulture office, as rates and eligibility can change.7. How is makhana processed into the product sold in shops?After manual harvesting, seeds are sun-dried for 2–3 days and then roasted in cast-iron pans at high heat until they pop open, producing lawa (popped makhana), which is graded by size and packaged. This guide reflects general agricultural information based on ICAR publications, government scheme documents, and field reports available as of 2026. Actual returns depend on local soil and water conditions, market prices at the time of sale, and individual farm management. Farmers are advised to consult their nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra or the ICAR-NRC Makhana field office in Darbhanga before making investment decisions. Source:- Agrijob.in