Nutritious Makhana Plant Gains Attention All Over India Makhana the new food that’s in demand all over! This aquatic crop, whose nuts are well known as fox nuts, is part of traditional diets as well as a modern health fad. For many, the question of how to grow the makhana plant and why it is becoming more expensive is the source of curiosity. Knowledge of it’s growing cycle, uses and market demand may all point to its true value. In this blog, we cover all there is to know about the makhana plant, from growing it to buying and using it in the best possible way. Let’s bring it out what is makhana plant in India.
Understanding the Makhana Plant in India
Makhana plant grows in the ponds of Eastern India where the soil is soft and wet. Grown predominantly in Bihar, it is most associated with fox nuts. फूल मखाना is the Hindi name and in English, it is known as the Euryale ferox. Farms for the crop often need a slow moving or still body of water like a pond or a wetland. According to a study by ICAR, Bihar accounts for more than 80% of the makhana production in India. Another novelty discovered in the Indian subcontinent in the success story dome both by rural farmers and co-operatives, that is the makhana plant.
How to Grow Makhana Plant Step by Step
Cultivation of the makhana plant There are peculiar techniques the plants necessitating much patience and attention. To start with, the seeds are soaked and sprouted and grown in shallow ponds. The water should be 2-3 ft deep, and the optimum temperature should be between 20-30°C. Regular weeding and pest control are also important as the environment is aquatic, the plants are liable to attack by fungus. The seeds are then harvested after 4–5 months and roasted or dried to make the fox nuts edible. Growing of makhana plant is considered profitable if done properly and efficiently.
Makhana Plant Benefits Backed by Data
The makhana plant is good for both health and economy with the backing of a number of studies and nutrition facts. Fox nuts are high in magnesium and potassium along with high-quality protein, which makes it perfect for heart and digestion. According to a 2022 NIN report, fox nuts are 350 kcal per 100 gram and less than 1% of saturated fat. In addition to health, the makhana plant also helps provide local jobs, for rural women in particular. Incorporating makhana plant benefits in your diet every day for wellness and environment.
Why Is Makhana So Expensive and Where Is It Grown?
Many readers have said, “Why is makhana so expensive?” The explanation is in the labor to harvest and low yield per acre. When farmed, the harvesting process is also manual, with workers diving into ponds to hand pick the seeds, which are then roasted to achieve the perfect flavor. Then again, the makhana plant is only cultivated in several Indian states such as Bihar, Assam and some regions in West Bengal. Its higher cost is due to its restricted geographical range, and to the vulnerable and skill-intensive craft of production. With the increase in demand, particularly in urban markets, the makhana rate is also increasing steadily.
Where to Buy Makhana Plant and What’s the Price?
Makhana plant and their produce —fox nuts — have become very accessible both online and offline. You can purchase it as raw as also roasted makhana from top suppliers and agricultural cooperatives throughout India. Grades differ according to the platform, which can include Amazon, Flipkart, and local mandis. The current makhana price of good quality in India is from ₹500 to ₹1000 per kg. Consumers also ask “What is the cost of 1kg makhana?” since the price depends on the season and the City. For those who want to grow or resell them, purchasing directly from farms can be more cost-effective.
