Commercial Cultivation of Fox Nut Farming Begins for the First Time in Jhapa
May 29, Bhadrapur (Jhapa) – For the first time, commercial fox nut (makhana) cultivation has begun in the southern border region of Kachan Kawal in Jhapa, an area traditionally known for rice farming. Makhanas, a nutritious food derived from a water lotus species, have garnered local attention as a young farmer has initiated large-scale cultivation for the first time in Nepal. Chand Rajvanshi, a 39-year-old farmer from Kachan Ward No. 4 of Kachan Kawal Rural Municipality, acquired cultivation techniques from Bihar, India, and has begun growing makhana over 20 bighas of land. This farming method, which involves flooding fields typically used for rice and maize cultivation, is a novel and distinct agricultural practice in Jhapa.
Rajvanshi leased the land by paying an advance equivalent to the price of 30 mann of rice per bigha for a ten-year period to start makhana farming. “Seeing makhana cultivation becoming a lucrative enterprise in bordering regions of India inspired me to explore its potential in Nepal as well,” he stated. “Despite the risks, I invested significantly as a trial of this new farming technique.” Makhana is an aquatic lotus plant with broad leaves covered in spines; flowers and fruits emerge through the center of its leaves.
The flowering begins in the last week of Baisakh (April-May), and the fruit ripens by the last week of Shrawan (August-September), according to Rajvanshi. He explained that initiating this cultivation demands substantial labor: “Preparation of the fields begins in Poush (December-January) by digging and carefully leveling the land, followed by continuous flooding.” Since the crop takes about eight months to yield, patience and investment are both essential, he added. Having imported seeds and techniques from India, Rajvanshi has already invested roughly NPR 1.4 million. He estimates a profit of up to NPR 300,000 per bigha if the produce can be exported to India.
As commercial makhana farming is unprecedented in Nepal, market management and government policies regarding this crop remain unclear. Rajvanshi emphasized the need for support in marketing and export facilitation post-harvest. Since the introduction of makhana cultivation, local interest in Kachan Kawal has increased significantly. Locals have expressed enthusiasm, frequently visiting the fields to observe this unique farming method. “Many farmers are curious to see this different type of farming by flooding rice fields,” Rajvanshi said.
Makhana is considered an important food both religiously and health-wise. Used as a prasad in Hindu worship, makhana is mainly imported into Nepal from India. Nutritionists note that makhana contains abundant protein, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. Regarded as a ‘superfood’ and ‘organic food,’ makhana can be cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, increasing its demand in both Indian and international markets. Rajvanshi has installed a borewell using his own investment without government support to irrigate his crops. If market conditions improve, he plans to expand makhana cultivation further in the coming years.