Wetlands and Makhana Cultivation: A Geographical Study in North Bihar

Abstract

North Bihar‟s wetlands, including chaurs, mauns and ponds; are vital for makhana (Euryale ferox) cultivation, producing 90% of global output (15,000 ha, 10,000 tonnes popped makhana). Makhana is a high-value aquatic crop and GI-tagged superfood that sustains the livelihoods of over four lakh farmers of Bihar and has emerged as climate-resilient farming options in flood-prone and waterlogged regions of Bihar. Its unique adaptability to stagnant and shallow aquatic ecosystems makes it an ideal crop for areas frequently affected by excessive rainfall, prolonged submergence and soil saturation-conditions that hinder conventional agricultural production system. The climatic resilience attributes of makhana cultivation, including its tolerance to waterlogging, efficient nutrient recycling and compatibility with integrated farming systems such as fish-makhana-vegetable models. This review examines makhana cultivation through a geographical lens, focusing on spatial distribution, environmental influences and socio-economic dynamics in districts like Darbhanga, Madhubani and Purnea. Breeding innovations, such as the Sabour Makhana-1 and Swarna Vaidehi varieties and shallow-water farming enhance resilience to floods, while challenges like pollution, encroachment and limited mechanization persist. Socio-spatial analyses highlight the Mallah community‟s role, land leasing practices and seed access disparities. Policy initiatives, including the Makhana Board and Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mithila Makhana, aim to boost exports and farmer incomes. Drawing on literature from 2012 to 2025, this study underscores the role of geographical approaches in enhancing Makhana‟s contribution to food security and sustainable agriculture in North Bihar‟s flood-prone landscapes.