Raipur. In Chhattisgarh, farmers are increasingly turning to cash crops in addition to traditional crops. In this context, makhana cultivation is emerging as a new and profitable option for farmers. Considering the immense potential for makhana production in Chhattisgarh, the Central Government's Central Sector Scheme for the Development of Makhana is being implemented rapidly. Following the historic announcement by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to include the state in the National Makhana Board, activities related to makhana cultivation and processing have accelerated in the state.
Horticulture Department officials stated that implementation of the scheme will commence in the year 2025-26. Under this scheme, Chhattisgarh has received approval for ₹178.11 million. Dhamtari, Balod, Mahasamund, and Gariaband districts have been selected for the scheme's implementation.

Makhana has a strong market demand. 
The most significant advantage of Makhana cultivation is that farmers earn significantly more profit if they process the seeds and sell them in the market, rather than just selling raw seeds. Makhana is prepared by drying, roasting, and processing the seeds, which enjoys a good market demand. Makhana production and Makhana seed production activities are proposed under
the Farmers' Interest in Makhana Production 
Scheme. Makhana will be produced in 96,438 hectares of previously constructed ponds and 37,424 hectares on farmers' land, a total of 133,862 hectares. Additionally, a seed production program will be conducted on 15 hectares at the University of Agriculture and Horticulture and departmental nurseries.
43 farmers from Dhamtari district are involved in Makhana production.
Currently, Makhana production has been initiated in Dhamtari district by selecting women self-help groups. Prominent among these are Shail Putri Self-Help Group, Nayi Kiran Self-Help Group, Jai Maa Nav Jyoti Women Self-Help Group and Progressive Farmers Group. Sowing of Makhana seeds has been completed in ponds in 55 acres of area in the district and preparations have started in 15 acres, in which 43 farmers are involved. Preparations for sowing have also started in 55 acres of area selected for Makhana production on land, in which 20 farmers are involved.
Action plan of Rs. 2 crore proposed for 2026-27
It is noteworthy that an action plan of Rs. 2 crore has been proposed for the year 2026-27, under which Makhana production in ponds in 75 hectares and on 30 hectares of land, construction of 10 new ponds and additional Makhana production in 5 hectares is proposed.
Training farmers for makhana production.
Mrs. Manisha Chandrakar, director of Ojas Farm, which has been cultivating makhana for the past five years, stated that Chhattisgarh's climate and soil are highly conducive to makhana production. Commercial makhana production in the state was first initiated by the late Shri Krishna Kumar Chandrakar in Lingadih village of Arang development block, and the first makhana processing center was established in December 2021. Currently, her organization is not only engaged in production and processing, but also provides training to farmers from within the state and outside.
Maximum profit can be achieved by self-production, processing, and packaging
. Mrs. Manisha Chandrakar explained that one kilogram of makhana seeds yields approximately 200 to 250 grams of pop, which costs between 700 and 1000 rupees per kilogram. If farmers produce, process, and package their own makhana, maximum profit per acre can be achieved.