Water chestnut processing: An entrepreneurial opportunity for livelihood security

The major water chestnut producing state is Madhya Pradesh in the country where nuts are produced in five thousand hectares of tanks/ponds worth rupees 35 crores. It is the main source of income for the poorest families particularly Dheemer and Burman communities of the state. It is grown in 18 districts and Jabalpur district has a key position in production and processing of water chestnut. It is one of the cash crops. Water chestnut producers sell it in fresh form for quick profit. With the value addition of water chestnut in the form of flour, pickle and ready to eat products, these producers get employment throughout the year. The B-C ratio of value-added dry decorticated kernel and flour are 1:2.5 and 1:3 respectively emphasizing the potential of processed water chestnut to ensure livelihood security throughout the year.