A new opportunity has emerged for farmers in Madhya Pradesh. The state government has launched a major initiative to promote Makhana (Fox Nut) farming, offering farmers a subsidy of up to ₹75,000 per hectare. So far, 99 farmers have already applied online to avail the benefits of this scheme.
Madhya Pradesh’s Minister of Horticulture and Food Processing, Narayan Singh Kushwah, announced that the state will now encourage Makhana farming similar to Bihar. To begin with, a pilot project has been launched in four districts — Narmadapuram, Balaghat, Chhindwara, and Seoni — to expand Makhana cultivation.
The minister urged farmers from these districts to participate in the scheme and adopt Makhana as a new and profitable crop, helping them achieve higher income with lower investment.
Minister Kushwah explained that Makhana is cultivated in small ponds, similar to water chestnuts. Bihar is currently India’s leading producer, where small processing units have been established to support seed-to-product conversion.
He also noted that Makhana demand is rising not only in India but also in Arab and European countries. The Government of India has established a dedicated ‘Makhana Board’ to promote this crop nationwide. With Madhya Pradesh’s favorable climate, the state has great potential to become a major Makhana-producing region.
Commissioner of Horticulture and Food Processing, Arvind Dubey, informed that the project aims to develop Makhana farming across 150 hectares, with an estimated investment of ₹45 lakh.
Farmers engaged in Makhana cultivation will receive a subsidy of ₹75,000 per hectare or 40% of the total cost, whichever is lower.
Dubey added that 99 farmers have already applied online, reflecting their strong enthusiasm for this new and promising crop.
Makhana is a high-value crop with significant demand both domestically and internationally. Its cultivation will not only help increase farmers’ income, but also promote efficient use of ponds and water bodies, strengthening the rural economy.
The government’s initiative is being seen as a major step toward self-reliance for Madhya Pradesh’s farmers.
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