A major agricultural shift is underway in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, as local authorities introduce commercial foxnut, commonly known as makhana, cultivation for the very first time. Aimed at diversifying traditional cropping patterns and boosting agrarian incomes, the district horticulture department has set a target of covering 55 hectares under this high-value crop. To encourage local farmers to adopt this innovative farming practice, the state administration has structured an attractive financial assistance program alongside specialized technical training.
Financial Grant of Rs 50,000 Per Hectare for Cultivators
Under this government incentive scheme, participating farmers will receive financial aid of approximately Rs 50,000 per hectare. Alongside this monetary grant, the department will distribute high-quality makhana seeds completely free of cost to the registered growers. Recognizing that foxnut cultivation is entirely new to the region, horticulture officials will conduct comprehensive training workshops for farmers prior to the planting season. This preliminary instruction ensures that growers understand seedling care, water management, and harvesting techniques before receiving their financial subsidies and seed supplies.
Two Cultivation Techniques and Water Depth Requirements
Explaining the technical requirements for cultivating foxnuts in the district, Assistant Horticulture Inspector Arvind Kumar Singh outlined the core methods suited for regional topography. According to Arvind Kumar Singh, foxnuts can be grown using two primary approaches: the traditional pond method and the field method. The field method involves excavating low-lying agricultural land to retain large volumes of water effectively.
Assistant Horticulture Inspector Arvind Kumar Singh stated, "The horticulture department is constantly working to enhance farmers' income and encourage them toward innovative agricultural practices."
For successful field-based cultivation, maintaining a constant standing water level of four to five feet is essential. This makes the crop ideal for lowlands, areas adjacent to canals, and land surrounding natural water reservoirs where water accumulates naturally. Makhana requires significantly more water than traditional paddy crops. Consequently, fields that frequently suffer from prolonged waterlogging, rendering them unsuitable for regular crops like wheat or rice, can now be converted into highly productive and lucrative foxnut farms.
Step-by-Step Application Process and Required Documents
Farmers interested in availing themselves of the makhana subsidy scheme must complete the formal registration procedure outlined by the department. Applicants can submit their forms online by visiting the official web portal of the horticulture department. Alternatively, farmers can visit the district horticulture department office in person to submit a physical application.
To register successfully, applicants must provide specific documentary proof, including their Aadhaar card, land ownership record known as Khatouni, bank passbook details, and recent photographs. Once applications are received, departmental officials will conduct field inspections and document verification. Upon successful verification, the approved farmers will receive government assistance, free seed distribution, and the financial subsidy credited directly to their accounts.
