Name: Rupesh Kumar Jha & Alok Pratap Singh
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume-12, Issue-2 (July-December)
Page Number: 209-217
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17453780

ABSTRACT:
Makhana (Euryale ferox), commonly known as fox nut, is a high-value aquatic crop
cultivated mainly in North Bihar’s floodplains. This study investigates the profitability of
Makhana farming under smallholder conditions, focusing on input costs, gross returns, labor
patterns, and market access. Data from 120 smallholder farmers in Darbhanga, Madhubani,
and Saharsa districts were collected through structured interviews, supported by secondary
data from NABARD, ICAR-RCER, and Bihar Agricultural Department reports. The results
show a gross return of ₹85,000/ha against a total cost of ₹45,000/ha, producing a net profit of
₹40,000/ha and a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.89. Statistical analyses confirmed significant
differences in yields among districts through ANOVA (F = 75.97, p < 0.0001) and T-tests.
Constraints like intermediary-dominated marketing, post-harvest losses, and regional
disparities in yields hinder optimal profitability. Policy recommendations include improved
post-harvest infrastructure, collective marketing, digital platforms, and support for women in
the value chain. The findings offer economic insight for stakeholders aiming to improve rural
livelihoods via sustainable aquaculture.
Keywords: Makhana farming, profitability, smallholder agriculture, cost-benefit analysis,
North Bihar, ANOVA, rural economy