Jahanabad Farmers Find Gold in Black Nightshade: Up to 50,000 per Bigha

• Farmers in Jahanabad are shifting from traditional crops to high-profit, short-duration cultivation like black nightshade (makoy).
• Black nightshade is currently cultivated on approximately 3 hectares by about a dozen farmers in Jahanabad, primarily on sandy soil near the Darbha river.
• Mo. Waqeen, a farmer, highlights that his family has a history of cultivating fruits, flowers, and vegetables, continuing this legacy with black nightshade.
• Cultivation begins in July, with harvesting starting around Saraswati Puja and continuing until Chhath Puja; seeds are saved for future sowing.
• With an investment of 8,000 rupees per bigha, farmers can earn 40,000 to 50,000 rupees per season, making it a highly profitable crop if weather conditions are favorable.

Why It Matters: Jahanabad farmers are embracing black nightshade cultivation for significant profits, earning up to 50,000 per bigha.