Assam has decided to promote makhana cultivation in “mission mode” as part of a broader strategy to make agriculture more market-oriented, diversified and profitable. The Agriculture Department plans to provide makhana seeds to farmers from February 2027.

The initiative was announced at a state-level workshop on strengthening business opportunities for agriculture and allied products, where the government emphasised high-value crops, horticulture, irrigation, value addition and exports.

Why is Makhana Important for Assam?

• Makhana, commonly known as fox nut, is an aquatic crop whose seeds are used as food and have growing domestic and international demand.
• Bihar is India’s leading makhana-producing state, but Assam has suitable water resources and agro-climatic conditions for expanding cultivation.
• Makhana can be integrated with fisheries, allowing farmers to diversify income from the same water-based production system.
• The Assam government estimates that makhana could provide an additional ₹40,000–₹50,000 per bigha under suitable conditions.

Assam’s Broader Agricultural Strategy

The promotion of makhana is part of a wider shift from subsistence-oriented agriculture towards high-value, diversified and market-linked farming.

• Farmers will be encouraged to continue paddy cultivation while adopting double and triple cropping to increase land productivity.
• The State plans to distribute around seven crore fruit saplings, with greater emphasis on horticultural crops such as litchi and other fruits.
• Coconut cultivation will receive additional attention in Sivasagar and Charaideo.
• Irrigation coverage, currently around 21% of agricultural land, is proposed to increase substantially over the next five years.
• The government is also focusing on quality standards, processing, transportation, market linkages and exports.

Exam Hook

Prelims Facts: Makhana (fox nut) → aquatic crop → Bihar is the leading producer → Assam is promoting cultivation for farm-income diversification → potential integration with fisheries.

Prelims Question: Consider the following statements regarding makhana cultivation:

1. Makhana is an aquatic crop whose edible product is mainly its seed.
2. Bihar is an important major production centre for makhana in India.
3. Assam is promoting makhana cultivation as part of its farm-income diversification strategy.
4. Makhana cultivation can be integrated with fisheries-based livelihoods.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer: 1, 2, 3 and 4.