Guwahati, 06 November (HS): Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika on Friday announced a pilot project to promote Makhana (fox nut) cultivation in the state's natural wetlands and beels, aiming to create additional income opportunities for traditional fishing communities.

The announcement was made at a high-level joint meeting with lessees of natural water bodies, organised in collaboration with the Fishery Department at the Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC) in Guwahati.

Hazarika said the Agriculture Department has set a target of bringing 30,000 hectares of land under Makhana cultivation across Assam. As part of the initial initiative, trial cultivation will be undertaken in 30 per cent of the 186 fisheries managed by the Assam Fisheries Development Corporation (AFDC) Limited.

Pointing out that Makhana cultivation is already being practised in seven to eight beels in the state, the minister stressed the need to expand the initiative to more water bodies to enhance the earnings of local fishing communities.

He urged the lessees to undertake the removal of water hyacinth from the beels, noting that maintaining clean water bodies is essential for both fish production and successful Makhana cultivation. He also highlighted the responsibility of the Water Resources Department in protecting and preserving the state's natural wetlands.

Highlighting the economic prospects of the crop, Hazarika said a 25-bigha beel could generate annual revenue of up to Rs 25 lakh through Makhana cultivation. He assured government support, including specialised training, to farmers and fishing communities willing to take up the initiative.

Describing Makhana as an emerging global superfood with growing demand in Western markets, the minister emphasised the importance of diversifying agricultural activities to ensure sustainable livelihoods. He also stressed that regular stocking of fish fingerlings in the beels was necessary to maintain fish production and safeguard the income of traditional fishing communities.

Fisheries Minister Nilima Devi, Assam Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Gurujyoti Das and senior officials of the Agriculture and Fishery departments attended the meeting.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash