From monoculture to polyculture: Assessing the economics of integrated fish-makhana (Euryale ferox) farming in Kishanganj’s wetlands

This study assesses the economic parameters of integrated fish cum makhana culture versus makhana monoculture in Kishanganj district, Bihar, based on a survey of 80 farmers using stratified random sampling. Results indicate that while integrated fish cum makhana culture involves higher production costs (?72,456/ha) compared to makhana monoculture (?39972/ha), it delivers significantly greater gross income (?227,640/ha) and net income (?155,184/ha). The system also demonstrates superior profitability, with a cost-income ratio (CIR) of 0.23 and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.14, outperforming makhana monoculture (gross income: ?112140/ha; net income: ?72168/ha; BCR: 2.80). Major constraints include illegal fishing, floods, water scarcity, high labor costs, and a shortage of skilled labor. The study strongly recommends adopting integrated fish-makhana farming over monoculture in the wetlands of Kishanganj district. Policy measures should include leveraging MGNREGA for wetland maintenance, promoting community-based management, and investing in skill development to advance integrated aquaculture in the region.