Share
PM Modi officially launched the National Makhana Board in Bihar’s Purnea district on Monday, September 15 in a bid to boost the state’s makhana processing industry. Since Bihar accounts for 90% of India’s total makhana output, the move was first announced in the Union Budget of 2025 in order to increase the production, processing and export of fox nuts. A budget of INR 475 crores has been allotted by the Centre to develop the sector further - with the intent of upgrading standards of production, post-harvest management, technological reinforcement, expanding value addition as well as creating a stronger link between marketing and export. In addition to this, the PM also mentioned that support will be extended to farmer-producer organisations as well as increase access for farmers to schemes issued by the Centre while also providing them with fair prices for the commodity.
In an official release by the PMO, it stated that, “makhana cultivation has been a source of income for Bihar’s farmers, but previous governments neglected both the crop and the farmers. He asserted that it is the current government that has given makhana the priority it deserves.” It further stated that, “Key districts like Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria serve as the primary hubs since they have favourable climatic conditions and fertile soil that contribute to the superior quality of makhana.” Modi also mentioned in his speech that he is an avid consumer of the superfood 300 out of 365 days of the year, further affirming its need to make headway into global markets.
Also Read:
The aquatic crop which is typically cultivated in stagnant wetlands and ponds is an important source of livelihood for farmers belonging to the Mithilanchal and Seemanchal regions. The GI-tagged Mithila makhana is also an in-demand export commodity which has large overseas markets in the UAE and USA, along with New Zealand and Canada. The allotted budget also aims to provide resources such as better storage and packaging facilities, support farmer co-operatives as well as modernise processing units. The inauguration of the board also involved NDA leaders garlanding the Prime Minister with a large garland made of makhana seeds.
