In a significant push to diversify agriculture and boost farmers' income, the East Champaran district in Bihar has been selected for a pioneering makhana (foxnut) cultivation expansion scheme. This initiative, driven by the state's agriculture department, leverages the district's extensive network of water bodies to introduce a high-value cash crop to local farmers for the very first time.
A New Agricultural Experiment for Economic Uplift
The department has identified farmers in East Champaran, who have traditionally focused on grain cultivation and small-scale fish farming, to adopt makhana. Officials believe this shift has the potential to substantially improve the economic condition of the farming community. The pilot project for this year sets a target of cultivating makhana across 10 hectares of water bodies. If this initial experiment proves successful, large-scale production will be rolled out across the district from the next year onwards.
Vikash Kumar, the District Horticulture Officer, confirmed the details. He stated that the government is also committed to promoting the production of makhana seeds within the district to ensure sustainability.
Subsidy Structure and Financial Support
To encourage farmer participation, the government is offering a substantial financial incentive. Farmers undertaking makhana cultivation will receive a subsidy covering 75% of the total cost per hectare. Vikash Kumar elaborated that the total cost per hectare is estimated at Rs 97,000, out of which farmers will get Rs 72,750 as subsidy support.
This subsidy amount will be disbursed in two instalments to the beneficiaries. The first instalment will be Rs 50,150, with the remaining balance paid in the second and final tranche. This structured financial aid is designed to reduce the initial burden on farmers venturing into this new agricultural practice.
Tapping into Vast Untapped Potential
The selection of East Champaran is strategic, given its abundant aquatic resources. Official data reveals the district has 823 government ponds, 200 private ponds, and nine other water bodies, spanning approximately 1,950 acres. Additionally, there are 28 lakes covering a massive water area of 7,486 acres.
Despite this wealth of resources, the potential for integrated aquaculture—including fisheries, makhana, and singhara (water chestnut) cultivation—remains largely underutilised. The current annual fish production in the district stands at around 2,600 tonnes, with an estimated value of Rs 26 crore, even without a formal organised marketing system.
The government is now actively considering strategies to fully exploit this potential. This includes plans to adopt modern composite fish culture techniques alongside the promotion of makhana farming, aiming to create a more robust and profitable aquatic agriculture ecosystem for the farmers of East Champaran.
