Now the Uttar Pradesh government is trying to increase the income of the farmers, that is why the state government has decided to encourage the cultivation of Makhana. The government will give a grant of Rs 40 thousand per hectare to the farmers cultivating Makhana. This initiative is especially for those areas of Purvanchal, where the climate matches that of Mithilachal of Bihar. This climate has been considered useful for the cultivation of Makhana.
The government has set a target of 33 hectares
Makhana cultivation was experimented with in Deoria district since last year. Whereas this year the target is to cultivate 33 hectares of Makhana in Gorakhpur, Kushinagar and Maharajganj districts. Scientifically, the climate of Gorakhpur division is very useful for Makhana production. Makhana cultivation is more beneficial in such areas, where there is waterlogging in the fields.
There are many ponds in Gorakhpur division. Here, rain water remains stagnant for a long time in the low land areas. Due to which the farmers here can earn good income from Makhana cultivation. The government is also encouraging the cultivation of Makhana, that is why the government has decided to give a grant of Rs 40 thousand per hectare to the farmers. It costs about Rs 1 lakh to cultivate one hectare of Lakh Makhana. In which now the government will cover 40 percent of the cost. The average yield of Makhana in one hectare is 25 to 29 quintals and currently its price in the market is one thousand rupees per kg.
In a pond-like field filled with three feet of water, there is a makhana field. Makhana nursery is planted in November, while Makhana seedlings are transplanted after four months in February-March. After about five months the plants start flowering. Its harvesting starts in October-November. It takes about ten months from nursery to harvesting. This farming is especially beneficial for those farmers who are already doing fish farming business in their ponds.
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People know Makhana as a nutritious substance. It is also considered a super food. After Corona, awareness regarding health has increased, due to which the demand for Makhana has increased significantly. Its low calories, high amount of protein, phosphorus, fiber, iron and calcium make it a healthy option, which helps in keeping the digestive system healthy as well as controlling heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.