Assam Steps Up Makhana Push to Increase Farmers’ Earnings

August 25, 2026. Assam is set to promote makhana cultivation on a larger scale as part of the state government’s plan to raise farm incomes and encourage farmers to adopt high-value crops. Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika announced the initiative on August 24, saying makhana would be promoted in the state in “mission mode.” Speaking at a state-level workshop on agriculture and allied products in Guwahati, Hazarika said Assam has suitable potential for makhana cultivation, particularly in combination with fisheries. The crop could provide farmers with an additional income of around ₹40,000-₹50,000 per bigha, he said. The government plans to distribute makhana seeds to farmers from February next year to encourage cultivation and develop the crop as an additional source of rural income. The minister said the makhana initiative forms part of a wider strategy to promote high-value crops, horticulture and multiple cropping. Farmers have also been encouraged to adopt double and triple cropping to make better use of agricultural land. Assam is targeting the distribution of around seven crore fruit saplings during the next season, with greater focus on fruits, litchi and other horticultural crops. Coconut cultivation will also be promoted in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts. The state is also focusing on irrigation, with the government aiming to expand irrigation coverage by another 20 percentage points over the next five years from the current level of around 21%. Hazarika said improving production, processing, transportation, market access and exports would be crucial to making Assam’s agriculture more profitable. The government hopes that crops such as makhana, along with horticulture and other high-value produce, will help farmers diversify their income and access new markets.