Quick Overview
*Varies across districts/ecologies. **From raw gudi to popped makhana depends on skill & moisture.
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Climate | Warm & humid; frost-free growing months |
| Ideal Regions | North Bihar (Mithila), parts of Eastern UP, North Bengal |
| Pond Type | Shallow wetlands/ahars/pyne/dug ponds with controllable inflow/outflow |
| pH of Water | 6.5–8.0 (neutral-slightly alkaline) |
Ecology & Varieties
Makhana (Euryale ferox) is an aquatic crop cultivated in still or slow-moving water bodies. Local landraces exist; farmers generally select planting material from previous high-performing lots (bold seeds, clean shells, good popping).
Pond Preparation
- Desilt & level: remove excess silt and sharp debris; ensure gentle slopes for safe operations.
- Bunds & sluice: repair bunds; provide inlet/outlet to manage depth (0.6–1.5 m).
- Aquatic weeds: clear weeds and predatory snails; sun-dry edges where feasible.
- Organic base: apply well-decomposed FYM/compost near planting pockets (avoid anaerobic sludge).
Seed/Nursery & Transplanting
Seed / Planting Material
- Use mature, heavy seeds (nuts) from reliable sources. Many farmers pre-sprout in moist gunny sacks.
- Alternatively, raise a nursery patch in a shallow corner; once leaves develop, transplant clumps.
Spacing & Method
- Spacing: 1.0–1.5 m between planting points (adjust with pond size and vigor).
- Transplant pre-sprouted seeds or young plant clumps into soft pond bottoms with a planting tool/pole.
- Maintain stable depth post-transplant to minimize shock.
Crop Care & Nutrition
- Water management: keep depth steady; avoid sudden inflows that uproot plants.
- Nutrients: top-dress with composted manure in small doses; avoid direct dumping that turns anaerobic.
- Weed & pest: remove floating weeds manually; monitor leaf borers/snails; adopt eco-friendly controls.
- Safety: use bamboo rafts/tyre floats; ensure two-person teams while working mid-pond.
Harvest & Post-harvest (Raw Gudi)
- Maturity: seeds harden under the water surface; harvesting is done by skilled divers or with scoops at the pond bed.
- Primary handling: wash, sort, and sun-dry raw nuts (gudi) to safe moisture before storage.
- Storage: clean, aerated rooms; jute bags on pallets; avoid dampness.
Indicative Yields
| Management | Raw gudi (quintal/ha) | Popped makhana (kg/ha) |
|---|---|---|
| Good practice | 35–45 | 650–900 |
| Average | 25–35 | 450–650 |
Yields depend on pond ecology, planting density, skill level, and weather stability.
Popping & Grading
Popping converts hard seeds into edible, lightweight kernels. It requires heat, moisture control, and practice.
- Roasting: roast gudi in iron pans/sand-roasters at controlled temperatures until shells become brittle.
- Popping: quick high-heat strike/pop using practiced hand tools; kernels burst into white flakes.
- Cleaning & grading: remove unpopped; grade by size/whiteness/shape (Lava, Murki grades etc.).
- Packing: pack in food-grade bags; keep cool & dry to retain crunch.
Economics & Returns
| Cost Head | Indicative (INR/ha) |
|---|---|
| Pond desilting & prep | 40,000–80,000 |
| Seed / planting material | 25,000–45,000 |
| Labour (season) | 90,000–140,000 |
| Popping equipment & fuel (small unit) | 50,000–120,000 |
| Total indicative (Year 1) | 2.05–3.85 lakh |
Returns vary widely with popping skill and grade realized. Direct marketing & branding can significantly improve margins.
We can help with SOPs, heat profiles, and grade optimization.
FAQ: Makhana Cultivation
What pond depth is ideal?
Generally 0.6–1.5 m with stable levels. Too shallow invites weeds; too deep complicates operations.
Can makhana be grown organically?
Yes. Use composted manures, manual weeding, and eco-friendly pest management. Water quality and hygiene are crucial.
How do I improve popping percentage?
Use mature, heavy seeds; ensure proper drying; maintain consistent roasting temperature; practice quick popping strikes; and sort batches by size for uniform heating.