Suitability of underutilized aquatic cash crop Euryale ferox Salisb. for low-land agriculture and enhancing farmer’s income

Euryale ferox Salisbury, commonly known as makhana, fox nut, prickly water lily or gorgan nut (Family Nymphaeaceae), originally belong to China and South East Asia, is one of the underutilized lentic (stagnant) water-based seed propagated, non-cereal food crop having enormous potential to support the livelihood of marginal farmers facing difficulties due to complex, diverse and risk-prone agriculture. This provides employment, an alternate source of income, and food security to farming community. Euryale ferox cultivation has been found ecologically and economically viable in ponds, water-logged areas, shallow water fields, etc. Despite having great potential for alternative farming, its cultivation is primarily confined to the selected parts of India. Considering low input demand regarding manpower, fertilizers etc., and its ecological and economic benefits, Euryale ferox cultivation should be promoted for crop diversification and to achieve the Prime Minister’s initiative of doubling the farmer’s income.