PM Modi has launched the Makhana Board in Bihar.
PM modi launches national makhana board: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Makhana Board amidst the visit of Bihar. This was announced by the Central Government in the past. It is expected that if the board meets its objectives, then Makhana production in Bihar will increase rapidly. Bihar has been cultivating Makhana for centuries. But recently, when it got the GI tag, suddenly the country’s attention went to this.
Let us know how Bihar has moved forward in Makhana production on the pretext of launch of Makhana Board? Which districts produce production? To which countries of the world are the Makhana of Bihar exported? How will Makhana production increase after this new initiative of the government? What are the challenges of its cultivation and what are the possibilities?
Bihar has a special place in India’s rich biodiversity and agricultural traditions. This Bihar has made its own identity in the country and the world as the capital of Makhane today. Makhana, traditionally used in religious rituals, fasting and sweets, has now become important from both health and Ayurveda by becoming a global “superfood”. The initiative of board establishment has given it even more formal status. This will not only increase the income of farmers, but will also give more recognition to this special agricultural produce of Bihar at the international level.
History of Makhana cultivation in Bihar
The tradition of cultivation of Makhana (Fox Nut) is centuries old in Bihar. It is usually done in ponds and stable reservoirs. Its seed thrives on large leaves associated with plants like hyacinth. Makhana is considered a very difficult task, because the farmers get into the water and collect the seeds filled with silt. This labor-rich process makes it expensive and valuable. Makhane is also mentioned in ancient texts and Ayurvedic traditions. It has been considered as a balanced diet of gout-binding and it is said to be useful in infertility to heart disease.
Makhana cultivation is an important source of income for my farmer siblings of Bihar. The National Makhana Board is going to be very helpful in this direction. pic.twitter.com/xo3Stcvzid
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 15, 2025
How did Bihar become a stronghold of Makhane?
- Geographical location: Mithila and Kosi region are full of ponds and stable reservoirs, which provide a favorable environment for the Makhana crop.
- Traditional Skills: The farmers here are carrying forward the technology and tradition of Makhana production from generations.
- climate: The monsoon rains and stable reservoirs of this region are considered best for Makhana production.
- Government initiative: In recent years, both quality and production of this crop has increased by giving seeds, training and technical assistance to farmers.
- GI Tags: In 2022, Mithila Makhane got a geographical indicator (GI Tag), which made its unique identity even stronger.
Which districts have makhana cultivation?
North and eastern parts of Bihar are the largest centers of Makhana production. Especially the Mithila region is called “Makhana belt”. Among the major districts, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Araria, Katihar, Purnia, Saharsa, Madhepura, Kishanganj is.All these districts are endowed with natural ponds and irrigation facilities. It is estimated that about 90 percent of Makhana production of Bihar comes from these districts.
90 percent of Makhana produced in the country comes from Bihar.
Bihar produces up to 80 percent
According to recent data, about 120-130 thousand metric tons of Makhane is produced annually in India. Out of this, 70-80 percent production comes from Bihar. Darbhanga and surrounding districts contribute the most. Because of this, Bihar is also known as “Global Makhana Hub”.
How special Bihar’s makhana?
The Makhana of Bihar has made its special place not only in India, but also in many other countries. The big reason for this is the nutritional and medicinal features of Makhane.
- Minerals and Vitamins: It is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.
- Protein and low calories: It is an ideal snack for people struggling with diabetes and obesity.
Which countries do Bihar go to Makhana?
The export of Makhana from Bihar is mainly in countries like America, Britain, Japan, China, Singapore, Dubai and Canada. Especially in health-related markets, its demand is increasing rapidly. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Processing, India exported about 350-400 crore rupees in 2023-24. This is double that of previous years.
India America exports Makhana to countries like Britain, Japan, China, Singapore, Dubai and Canada.
What work will the Makhana board do?
- Providing training and modern technology to farmers.
- Installation of processing units.
- Encouragement in the direction of Makhane’s Price Promotion (eg Makhana based snacks, Flavor Makhana, Makhana Powder).
- Globally promoted branding and exports.
- Improve yield and quality through research and innovation.
- It is expected that millions of farmers of Bihar who depend on Makhana production will get direct economic strength.
How many challenges?
- Labor process: The traditional method of extracting and processing seeds takes a lot of hard work and time.
- Lack of market system: Due to middlemen, farmers do not get fair price.
- scientific research: There is a need to increase productivity and develop immunity varieties.
- Logistic problem:Lack of transport and cold storage facilities causes damage.
future prospects
India can make it a world -class brand by preserving and encouraging Makhana farming in Bihar.
- Agro-tourism: The possibility of connecting Makhana production with tourism in Mithila ponds.
- Startup and Innovation: Products such as pre -packed Roasted Makhana, Makhana Dry Fruit Mix, and Makhana Protein Powder can be popular in the global market.
- employment: Millions of people will get employment from processing units and price-method industries.
Bihar cherished a particular crop with the help of reservoirs centuries ago, and today the same makhana is becoming a part of the health of the world by becoming “superfood”. Now Makhana is not only the identity of Bihar, but is becoming a symbol of rural innovation and agricultural tradition of India. The inauguration of the Makhana Board by the Prime Minister will give further momentum to this connection. This will not only lead the goal of doubling the income of farmers, but Bihar will achieve permanent and proud place on the global agricultural trade map.
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