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To double the income of farmers in Sitamarhi, Makhana cultivation is being started on 50 hectares of land. The state government is giving subsidy up to 75% because the soil here is favorable. A training program was organized in the presence of the District Magistrate, in which farmers were taught the tricks of farming through both pond and field methods.
Sitamarhi: The Agriculture Department has prepared a large-scale plan this year to promote Makhana production in Sitamarhi. According to the Agriculture Officer, the district’s clay loamy soil and land with water streams are very suitable for Makhana farming. For this reason, the state government has given Sitamarhi a target of producing makhana in an area of 50 hectares. To connect more and more interested farmers, the government has made a provision of grant up to 75%. This initiative is being considered a big step towards providing more profits to the farmers and increasing their income as compared to traditional crops like paddy.
farming in pond or field
In this series, a two-day Makhana training program was organized by the Directorate of Agriculture Department and District Horticulture Office at the Joint Agricultural Building, Muradpur. District Magistrate Richie Pandey, present during the program, said that Makhana production can strengthen the economic condition of farmers, hence every possible support is being provided at the departmental level, from training to providing materials. Experts said that Makhana cultivation requires warm climate and sufficient water, which can be met through both ponds and fields. The crop is ready after about 10 months of hard work, and due to its good demand in the market, farmers get better income.
Makhana will be a global brand
The government is also taking many policy steps to promote Makhana production. Under this, pilot projects are being conducted, subsidies are being given to farmers and the process of formation of ‘Makhana Board’ is being taken forward at the national level. The aim of these efforts is to increase production, double the income of farmers and establish Bihar Makhana as a global brand. Experts said that Bihar is already a major center of makhana production in the country, hence emphasis is being laid on making maximum use of its potential.
District Agriculture Officer said that Makhana cultivation in Sitamarhi can be done easily by both pond method and field method. Pond method is the traditional technique, in which seeds are directly sown in the pond, while field method is the modern technique, in which plants like paddy are planted. Pest management and productivity is better in modern method. For both the methods, nursery is prepared in November-December and transplantation is done in February-March. Farmers are being enabled through training, tours and practical sessions, so that the 50 hectare target set in the district can be successfully met.
