Makhana cum Fish Farming: An Integrated Production System for Livelihood Improvement and Sustainable Aquatic Resource Utilisation

Abstract

Aquaculture is a major contributor to global food and nutritional security, providing high-quality animal protein. However, increasing pressure on land and freshwater resources necessitates production systems that enhance output through efficient utilization of existing resources. Integrated farming provides a pathway to achieve this by combining biologically compatible production components to improve resource-use efficiency, nutrient cycling and overall system productivity. Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) and fish farming represents a promising aquatic integrated production system in which an economically important aquatic crop and fish are produced within the same water body. Makhana provides a nutrient-rich, low-fat food product with increasing commercial value, whereas fish contributes high-quality protein and essential micronutrients, thereby providing complementary nutritional and economic outputs. Integration can utilize spatial and ecological niches within the water body, facilitate nutrient recycling and generate additional fish production and income without requiring separate land and water resources. This approach is particularly relevant for waterlogged and underutilized landscapes where conventional agriculture is constrained. This review evaluates the biological basis, production practices, resource-use efficiency, productivity, economic potential and livelihood significance of makhana–fish farming, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and resource-efficient model for integrated aquatic production.