Abstract

Makhana, an aquatic white crop, has recently become a popular in flood-prone districts of eastern and north-eastern India. 90% of global Makhana production comes from India. Bihar is the leading state to produce Makhana in India followed by West Bengal. In West Bengal, Malda is the leading Makhana producing district. It is widely believed that Makhana cultivation in the district is on the rise because farmers are reaping greater return than that of other crops. In this backdrop, an effort will be made to estimate the cost and return generated on an average by the cultivators out of Makhana. The estimated return is compared with the combined opportunity cost of land, labour and capital to assess the genuine profitability. The present study also highlights the process of Makhana guri production (field base eco system and pond based eco system) along with value chain. Study is empirical in nature and based on both primary and secondary data collected in the present time frame (2024-25). Multi stage sampling technique was adopted. In the first stage, blocks (Harischandrapur I, Harischandrapur II, Chanchal I, Chanchal II) were chosen purposively based on the area of land used for Makhana production. In the second stage, 125 Makhana producers were chosen conveniently for collecting estimated cost and return data. Study revealed that farmers earned a profit of 30 to 55 percent during 2024-25. Comparing this return with the respective opportunity cost pointed out that the cultivation of crop offers farmers of Malda district a scope to earn higher return. As a district, Malda has already gained fame for its mangoes, similar scope has been there for Makhana as well and with adequate patronage from the Government and investment from prominent private players, Malda can be economically developed through Makhana production and its effective marketing.