Makhana, also known as fox nut or gorgon nut, is the seed of the aquatic plant Euryale ferox. Makhana cultivation is an important aquatic farming activity in India, particularly in Bihar. Unlike many conventional crops, it can be cultivated in ponds, wetlands and suitable shallow-water fields.
India is the world’s leading producer of makhana, while Bihar is the country’s major production centre. According to the Government of India, Bihar accounted for nearly three-fourths of India’s makhana production in 2025–26 and produced about 60,000 metric tonnes.
For farmers, successful fox nut farming depends on several factors, including the quality of planting material, water depth, transplanting time, crop management, harvesting skills and post-harvest handling.
Where Is Makhana Cultivated in India?
Makhana is mainly associated with the wetlands of eastern and northeastern India. Bihar is the dominant production state, with cultivation particularly concentrated in North Bihar.
Important growing areas include Purnea, Katihar, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj and Sitamarhi. ICAR has also reported cultivation in states such as Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, Manipur and Madhya Pradesh.
These percentages are calculated from the district-wise APEDA data and represent the share of production among the 10 listed major makhana-producing districts
Rank Major district Makhana pop production (2021–22) Share of listed production
1 Purnea 5,234 tonnes 22.1%
2 Katihar 4,858 tonnes 20.5%
3 Madhubani 3,012 tonnes 12.7%
4 Darbhanga 2,969 tonnes 12.6%
5 Supaul 2,260 tonnes 9.6%
6 Saharsa 2,167 tonnes 9.2%
7 Madhepura 1,188 tonnes 5.0%
8 Araria 1,056 tonnes 4.5%
9 Kishanganj 800 tonnes 3.4%
10 Sitamarhi 112 tonnes 0.5%
Makhana Cultivation Time and Suitable Conditions
The makhana cultivation time depends on the farming system and local climate. In the field-based cultivation system developed by ICAR, makhana can be transplanted around the second week of April and harvested around the second week of August. A water depth of about 30 cm is used in this system.
Traditionally, Makhana cultivation has relied on permanent, still water environments, such as ponds, wetlands, swamps and low-lying areas. Improved cultivation systems have also made it possible to grow makhana in shallow-water field conditions.
Steps of Makhana Cultivation in India
The exact method can varies depending to the pond, field conditions and planting material, the basic makhana cultivation process involves the following stages.
- Managing Water Depth in Makhana Fields
Choose a pond, wetland or suitable low-lying field that can retain shallow water during the makhana crop period.
For field cultivation, proper water management is particularly important. In one ICAR-developed field cultivation system, approximately 30 cm of water depth is maintained; actual water requirements can vary with the cultivation system and local conditions. - Land and Field Preparation
Before makhana planting, remove excessive wild plants and unwanted vegetation. In pond-based farming, the water body should be prepared so that the young plants can establish without excessive competition.
Farmers should also consider drainage and water-retention conditions before starting the makhana crop. - Selecting Quality Planting Material
Quality planting material is one of the important factors affecting crop growth and productivity.
Improved varieties include Swarna Vaidehi, developed by ICAR’s Research Complex for the Eastern Region, and Sabour Makhana-1, developed through Bihar Agricultural University. Swarna Vaidehi has reported a production potential of around 2.8–3.0 tonnes per hectare under farmer-field conditions.