Darbhanga: Two decades after it quietly faded from the fields of Pokhram village in Bihar’s Darbhanga district, makhana cultivation is making a determined comeback. Along the parched stretches of the Kamla River in Biraul block, lotus ponds are once again filling with floating seeds that hold the promise of economic revival for a region long defined by migration and agricultural decline. The return of makhana a nutrient-rich aquatic crop also known as fox nut, comes at a time of cautious optimism. Spurred by the central government’s recent decision to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar, farmers who once left the state in search of work are returning to their ancestral lands. This crop gave our ancestors a livelihood. But behind the headlines of resurgence lies a familiar challenge- water.
Makhana is a water-intensive crop, traditionally grown in stagnant ponds or wetlands fed by rivers. Yet with the Kamla River’s flow increasingly unreliable, farmers have had to turn to costly alternatives. Many now rely on fire engines and pumping sets to irrigate their fields, sometimes paying up to Rs 100 per hour to maintain moisture levels essential for cultivation. The river dries up too early. It’s not sustainable. Although a Makhana Research Centre has been set up in Biraul, many farmers say the support is not reaching them. Promised technical assistance and infrastructure remain elusive, further complicating efforts to scale up production. Still, the allure of makhana is undeniable. With global demand growing the seeds are celebrated for their health benefits and versatility, the crop could offer a lifeline to rural economies across Bihar.
