Assam Government Targets Higher Farmer Incomes via Makhana Cultivation

The Assam government has unveiled a new agricultural drive aimed at increasing the earnings of small‑holder farmers by encouraging the cultivation of makhana, also known as fox nut. The scheme is part of the state’s broader effort to diversify crop patterns and tap into high‑value market segments.
Makhana, a water‑borne seed native to the region’s wetlands, commands premium prices in domestic and export markets due to its nutritional profile and demand in snack and confectionery industries. By expanding its acreage, officials expect to create a reliable cash crop for farmers who traditionally rely on paddy and tea.
The agriculture department will roll out a package that includes seed distribution, technical training, and financial assistance for irrigation and post‑harvest processing. Officials anticipate that the initiative could lift average farm income by several thousand rupees per year within the next two cropping cycles.
State officials have urged local cooperatives and private processors to partner with growers, ensuring a stable supply chain from field to market. The programme is slated to begin in the upcoming planting season, with pilot projects already underway in districts such as Jorhat and Dibrugarh.