Swarna Vaidehi

Swarna Vaidehi is a pure-line selection (from the genotype line "Sel-6") developed by ICAR's Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, and released on 15 November 2013 as the first ever formally released makhana variety in India, for Bihar, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Its floating leaves grow to roughly 110 cm across, and about half its flowers open within 120–125 days of sowing. The seed is milk-white and about 9.5–10.2 mm across, with a 100-seed weight of 92–98 grams. In field trials it gave a production potential of 2.8–3.0 tonnes per hectare (28–30 q/ha) — roughly double the 1.7–1.9 t/ha a traditional, unimproved pond crop gives — and it grows in both the older pond system and the newer field-based system.

Plant typePure-line selection
Maturity7–8 months
Yield potential28–30 q/ha (seed/guri)
Disease resistanceNot separately documented; standard field hygiene applies
SoilPond/field floor holding standing water
SeasonRabi

• 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 ₹4,950/ha) on this variety's seed cost under the scheme, paying the remainder themselves.
• 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.

Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.

• Bihar
• Assam
• Chhattisgarh
• Odisha

• 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.

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