Sabour Makhana-1
Released by Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, from germplasm collected in Purnia district. Out-yields Swarna Vaidehi and gives a notably better popped-seed recovery thanks to a thinner seed coat, which is why it is increasingly preferred where popping quality decides the price. Grows in both the pond and the field-based system.
Quick facts
- Type
- Selection from collected germplasm
- Season
- Rabi
- Maturity period
- 7–8 months
- Seed rate
- About 30 kg/ha under Bihar's subsidised Makhana Beej Vitaran seed-distribution scheme; farmers in notified districts have received roughly a 75% subsidy (about ₹5,737.50/ha) on this variety's seed cost — a slightly higher subsidy amount than Swarna Vaidehi, reflecting a higher scheme seed cost for this variety.
- Expected yield
- 32–35 q/ha (seed/guri); 55–60% pop recovery
- Suitable soil
- Pond/field floor holding standing water
- Release
- Released by Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, from germplasm collected at Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Purnia
About this variety
Sabour Makhana-1 was released by Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, from makhana germplasm collected at Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College in Purnia district. The plant carries large, spherical leaves and a dark purple flower, and sets medium-sized fruit holding small, oval seed with an unusually thin seed coat. In comparative trials it gave a seed (guri) yield of 32–35 q/ha against the standard check Swarna Vaidehi's 28–30 q/ha, and — because its thinner coat pops more completely under roasting — a popped-seed recovery of 55–60%, noticeably better than the older variety. It grows in both the traditional pond system and the newer field-based system.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Seed rateAbout 30 kg/ha under Bihar's subsidised Makhana Beej Vitaran seed-distribution scheme; farmers in notified districts have received roughly a 75% subsidy (about ₹5,737.50/ha) on this variety's seed cost — a slightly higher subsidy amount than Swarna Vaidehi, reflecting a higher scheme seed cost for this variety.
- HarvestingSeed is gathered from the pond or field floor as it ripens and sinks, over repeated rounds across the harvest window rather than a single cutting — the same as any makhana crop.
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
7–8 months
Expected yield
32–35 q/ha (seed/guri); 55–60% pop recovery
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
- Not separately documented; standard field hygiene applies
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Out-yields Swarna Vaidehi (32–35 q/ha against 28–30 q/ha) in comparative trials.
- Gives a notably better popped-seed recovery (55–60%) thanks to its thinner seed coat, which matters directly for income since popped makhana, not raw seed, is what actually sells at a good price.
- Grows in both the pond and the field-based system, like Swarna Vaidehi.
Things to consider
- Released specifically for Bihar's makhana-growing districts; performance outside the state is not separately documented.
- Being a newer release than Swarna Vaidehi, it has a shorter track record across seasons and districts.
Suitable regions
Released by Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, for the state's makhana-growing districts — check locally before assuming it suits other regions.
- Bihar
Frequently asked questions
How is Sabour Makhana-1 different from Swarna Vaidehi?
Both are pond/field-grown makhana varieties, but Sabour Makhana-1 yields more raw seed per hectare (32–35 q/ha against 28–30 q/ha) and, because of its thinner seed coat, gives a better popped-seed recovery (55–60%) when roasted — which is what a grower is actually paid for.
Does the thin seed coat make Sabour Makhana-1 harder to handle?
Sources describe the thin coat as an advantage for popping, not a handling problem — it is what lets the seed pop more completely under roasting. No separate disease-susceptibility or handling drawback tied to the thinner coat is documented.