Paper Details

Name: Rupesh Kumar Jha
Country: India

Year: 2024
Volume: Volume-11, Issue-2 (July- December)
Page Number: 62-70

ABSTRACT
Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.), commonly known as fox nut, is an aquatic crop predominantly cultivated in Bihar, India, which accounts for approximately 85-90 percent of global production. This study synthesises secondary data and literature to examine technology adoption in makhana cultivation and its impact on farm profitability. Technology adoption is conceptualised as a multi-component package encompassing improved planting materials, pond preparation, water management, mechanised weeding, nutrient and plant protection practices, enhanced drying and processing, grading and packaging, digital market information, and institutional innovations like producer groups. The synthesis highlights
determinants such as household education, asset endowments, extension services, and market access, while quantifying profitability through metrics like gross margins and benefit-cost ratios. Barriers including credit constraints, input quality issues, information gaps, risk, and infrastructure deficiencies are diagnosed. The narrative is grounded in an economics-ofadoption framework emphasising information, incentives, and transaction costs. Findings suggest that higher adoption correlates with improved yields and net returns, though endogeneity challenges persist. Policy levers focus on targeted extension, credit products, subsidies, and market reforms to enhance Bihar's makhana sector sustainability and equity.

Keywords: Makhana cultivation, technology adoption, farm profitability, Bihar agriculture, policy levers, value chain