CEST2025

Water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa; Family: Trapaceae) is extensively cultivated in ponds and wetlands of Ganges Basin for food and medicinal usage. Fruits are rich source of protein, carbohydrate, fiber and minerals. Despite its multifaceted use, this plant is understudied in an economic perspective. The present study, conducted in the central part of the Ganges basin, evaluates the nutritional value of Trapa fruits and identifies opportunities expanding its role in bioeconomy. Analysis showed up to 75% carbohydrate, over 8% protein, variable amount of minerals and high overall nutritive index. Economic importance of Trapa lies in multifaceted use of its fresh fruits and processed products. Rich nutritional profile, pharmaceutical values and processed dry product of Trapa enhance its market demand. Its powder is used as a premium item during fast. The study identifies three major issues to scale- up its role in bioeconomy: a) Area under cultivation is rapidly shrinking due to changing land use and needs expansion and management; b) It needs expansion of processing and market access of dry items; and c) Huge biomass produced in its cultivation needs to be scientifically tested and scaled-up for use as biofertilizer.