In an effort to boost farmers incomes, the Uttar Pradesh government is rolling out targeted incentive schemes across the state. One of the latest initiatives centres around promoting makhana cultivation, especially in the Purvanchal region, where the climate closely resembles that of Bihars Mithila region—a renowned hub for makhana production. Under this scheme, the government is providing subsidies to farmers in 14 districts of Purvanchal to promote makhana farming. Deoria district, part of Gorakhpur division, became the first to implement this initiative last year. Building on this, the government has set a goal for the expansion of makhana cultivation in Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, and Kushinagar, with a target of covering 33 hectares across these districts. Scientific studies have revealed that the climate in Gorakhpur division holds great promise for makhana farming, with productivity levels expected to rival those seen in the Mithila region. Notably, the state government is intensifying efforts to enhance farmers incomes by promoting makhana cultivation in areas with abundant waterlogged fields. With Gorakhpur division having a large number of ponds and low-lying fields where rainwater is naturally stored, the region is proving ideal for makhana farming. The government has introduced subsidies to encourage farmers to adopt this lucrative crop, aiming to improve their economic conditions. Last year, Deoria district in Gorakhpur division became the first in Purvanchal to successfully experiment with makhana cultivation. Several progressive farmers and fish farmers sourced makhana seeds from the National Makhana Research Center in Darbhanga, Bihar, leading to the cultivation of the crop on around five hectares of land in Deoria. The success of this initiative has paved the way for its expansion to other districts. In Kushinagar district, next to Deoria, the goal is to grow makhana on 13 hectares of land. So far, the Horticulture department has approved 16 farmers to start cultivating Makhana on over eight hectares. In Gorakhpur district, the department has set a target of 10 hectares for makhana farming. According to State Garden superintendent Parasnath, two  hectares, or 20% of the total target, are reserved for Scheduled Caste farmers, while the remaining eight hectares are for general category farmers. Similarly, in Maharajganj district, the government has set a target for makhana cultivation on 10 hectares. In the first year, around 25 farmers are expected to take part in this initiative. The government is offering a subsidy of Rs 40,000 per hectare to farmers who register with the Horticulture department for makhana cultivation. With the total cost of growing makhana on one hectare being approximately Rs one lakh, this subsidy will cover around 40% of the expenses. On average, farmers can expect a yield of 25 to 29 quintals per hectare in waterlogged fields or ponds, where the current wholesale price of high-quality makhana is about Rs 1,000 per kg. Makhana is grown in ponds or fields with an average water depth of three feet. Its nursery is established in November, and transplantation is carried out in February or March. About five months after transplantation, the plants begin to bloom, and harvesting starts in October or November. The entire process, from setting up the nursery to harvesting, takes about ten months. Makhana cultivation is profitable, especially for farmers who already engage in fish farming in their private ponds. Known for its nutritional value, makhana is gaining popularity as a superfood. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased focus on health and boosting the immune system, driving up demand for makhana. Low in calories and rich in protein, phosphorus, fibre, iron, and calcium, makhana is beneficial for digestive health and helps manage heart conditions, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

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