Performance of Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) as a highly profitable venture in waterlogged areas prone to flooding

Abstract

Diversifying crops is key to boosting land productivity. Lowlands are being used to achieve this and improve yields. Demonstrations are an effective way to transfer technology. A study was undertaken to find out the profitability of Makhana cultivation under a periodical waterlogged situation due to seasonal flood in NICRA adopted village Khanabadi of Kishanganj district of Bihar. The newly released variety of makhana, Sabour Makhana-1, was demonstrated at unproductive land (water logging of 1m depth) of Khanabadi village. The results showed that the performance of newly released varieties was better on the demonstrated field of NICRA-adopted village in comparison to local variety. Sabour Makhana-1 has demonstrated in 6 farmers' fields in 8 ha area resulting in 24.30 q/ha with net income of Rs.1,58,150.00/ha with technological support by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kishanganj under NICRA project.