Makhana

• Context (TH): The prices of Makhana have soared in domestic and international markets since 2019.
• Makhana, also known as a gorgon nut or fox nut, is a type of seed derived from the Euryale ferox plant.
• It is mainly found and grown in tropical and subtropical climates.
• It is considered a native of Southeast Asia and China but distributed to almost every part of the world.
• India contributes to 80% of the world’s demand for Foxnuts, with Bihar accounting for 90 percent.
• Producing states: Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh.
• Its seeds are called Black Diamond.
• Makhana is approved under the Union government’s One District One Product scheme.

Climatic conditions

• Temperature: 20-35 degrees Celsius
• Relative humidity: 50%-90%
• Annual rainfall: 100-250 cm
• Soil type: Smooth loamy soil
• It is grown in stagnant perennial water bodies like ponds, oxbow lakes, swamps and ditches.

Health benefits of Makhana

• It has high fibre content, low glycemic index and phytochemical constituents. It contains an insignificant amount of fat and is rich in protein.
• It prevents high blood pressure and sugar.
• Makhana in the regular diet prevents early ageing and stops the greying of hair and wrinkles.
• The high calcium content with nominal saturated fat of makhana strengthens bones and muscles.
• Makhana contains a low amount of sodium and a high amount of potassium, which is good for cardiac health. It also has a healthy amount of minerals like magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus.