STUDY ON CULTIVATION PRACTICES AND MARKETING OF MAKHANA IN PURNIA DISTRICT OF BIHAR
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Date
2023
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Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi
Abstract
Makhana is a plant that is grown in stagnant water bodies like ponds, swamps, and wetlands. It is
propagated through seeds and requires fully matured seeds for germination.
In India, its production is spread over in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Eastern
Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. Bihar state has the monopoly in Makhana production in the country.
Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria and Sitamarhi districts
are major pockets for black diamond i.e., Makhana cultivation.
Due to fragmented available information about the Makhana production in water stagnated area the indepth
scientific endeavor is required related with nature and traditional system of Makhana cultivation.
Owing to richness in the nutritive contents and having a great potential for cash crop in order to make
double the farmers income the present study has been planned, “STUDY ON CULTIVATION
PRACTICES AND MARKETING OF MAKHANA IN PURNIA DISTRICT OF BIHAR” with three
important objectives viz. To Study present cultivation practices, to assess marketing status and to
suggest the appropriate cultivation practices and marketing strategy to increase the income of makhana
growers of Purnia district thereafter.
In the study four blocks out of 14 namely Banmankhi, Harda, Kasba, and Srinagar and was selected in
Purnia district. 25 respondents were selected from each block. Thus, altogether a total sample size of
100 was taken for the study. On the basis of extensive review of literature, discussion with concerned
scientists, extension experts and members of advisory committee, independent and dependent variables
were adopted for the purpose of study. The main independent variables were age, caste, education,
family size, sources of livelihood, total income and debt status, earning from makhana, seasonal
involvement (month wise), risk bearing ability and level of satisfaction while knowledge and Makhana
production technology were served as the dependent variable in course of the study.
It was found in the study that 25% makhana growers were of the age group of 46-55 years and 70% of
them belong to the same caste category, i.e. -Mallah. Majority of respondents. 40% of total growers
were illiterate and 45% of the selected sample had a family size of 4-7 person sources of livelihood
and 59% respondents were having annual income of Rs.75,000-1 lakh. Majority of respondent’s don’t
have any loan (89%). 70% of respondents found earnings of Rs. 25,001-50,000 from makhana in terms
of knowledge and traditional wisdom it was found that they are still practicing the method of their fore
fathers due to lack of scientific knowledge. There were several constraints like lack of knowledge,
availability of quality planting materials, presence of middleman in marketing sector etc. were found
during the course of study through open end question. From the study it was immerged that unused
water land of Purnia district should be utilized in makhana cultivation by making the people well aware
of it and by encouraging and supporting from every corner do so.