Makhana Production Encouraged in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, April 2026 : In Chhattisgarh, along with traditional crops, farmers are now rapidly turning towards cash crops. In this sequence, makhana cultivation is emerging as a new and profitable option for farmers.

Keeping in view the immense potential for makhana production in the state, the implementation of the Central Government’s “Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana” is being carried out rapidly. Following the historic announcement by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to include the state in the National Makhana Board, activities related to makhana cultivation and processing have gained momentum.

Officials from the Horticulture Department stated that the scheme has been implemented in the state from the year 2025–26. Under this, an approval of Rs 178.11 lakh has been received for Chhattisgarh. For the implementation of the scheme, the districts of Dhamtari, Balod, Mahasamund, and Gariaband have been selected.

Good Market Demand for Makhana

The biggest feature of makhana cultivation is that if farmers do not sell raw seeds but process them into makhana before selling, they can earn significantly higher profits. The seeds are dried, roasted, and processed to prepare makhana, which has strong demand in the market.

Growing Interest Among Farmers

Under the scheme, activities related to makhana production and seed production have been proposed. Makhana will be cultivated over a total area of 133.862 hectares — 96.438 hectares in already constructed ponds and 37.424 hectares on farmers’ land. Additionally, a seed production programme will be conducted over 15 hectares in agricultural and horticulture universities as well as departmental nurseries.

43 Farmers in Dhamtari District Involved

At present, in Dhamtari district, women self-help groups have been selected and makhana production has already begun. These include Shail Putri Self-Help Group, Nai Kiran Self-Help Group, Jai Maa Nav Jyoti Women Self-Help Group, and progressive farmer groups. In the district, sowing of makhana seeds has been completed in 55 acres of ponds, while preparation is underway in 15 more acres, involving 43 farmers. Preparations have also started for sowing in 55 acres of land selected for cultivation, involving 20 farmers.

Plan of Rs 2 Crore Proposed for 2026–27

It is noteworthy that a work plan worth Rs 2 crore has been proposed for the year 2026–27. Under this, makhana cultivation is proposed in 75 hectares of ponds and 30 hectares of land, construction of 10 new ponds, and additional cultivation in 5 hectares.

Training for Farmers

Ms. Manisha Chandrakar, operator of Ojas Farm, who has been cultivating makhana for the past five years, stated that the climate and soil of Chhattisgarh are highly suitable for makhana production. She mentioned that commercial makhana production in the state was first started in Lingadih village of Arang development block by late Krishna Kumar Chandrakar, and the first processing centre was established in December 2021.

At present, her organisation is not only engaged in production and processing but is also providing training to farmers within and outside the state.

Higher Profits Through Processing and Packaging

Manisha Chandrakar explained that one kilogram of makhana seeds yields about 200 to 250 grams of popped makhana, which is priced between Rs 700 and Rs 1,000 per kilogram. If farmers undertake production, processing, and packaging themselves, they can achieve maximum profit per acre.