How is water chestnut (singhara) grown and what kind of land does it need?

Water chestnut (singhara) is an aquatic crop grown in shallow standing water such as ponds, tanks, low-lying waterlogged fields and similar water bodies, making it useful for land that holds water and cannot grow normal crops. It is mainly a kharif and post-monsoon crop, with vines floating on the water surface and the horned nuts forming and harvested by hand over several pickings. It needs water of suitable depth maintained through the growing period, and a pond or field that retains water. It is traditionally grown in eastern UP, Bihar, West Bengal, MP and similar regions, often by communities skilled in pond cultivation. Confirm the suitable variety, water depth and planting time for your area, and any leasing rules for water bodies, with your KVK or the fisheries or horticulture department.