Bihar News: Bihar is the largest center of makhana production in the country. About 85 percent of the total Makhana produced in the country comes from Bihar alone. Now the Central and State Governments are jointly taking concrete steps to further strengthen Makhana cultivation and its trade. Many important decisions have been taken in this direction in the important meeting of the National Makhana Board held recently in Delhi.
Special emphasis on research work
In the meeting, special emphasis was laid on promoting research work related to Makhana. Along with this, a plan was made to develop advanced farming techniques, modern processing, grading, drying, popping and packaging facilities. The government also wants to strengthen value addition, branding, better marketing system and export of Makhana. With these initiatives, Makhana cultivation will now move from traditional methods to modern technology, which will increase production and directly benefit the income of farmers.
How much has changed in the last 12 years
Due to the efforts of Bihar government, both the area and yield of Makhana cultivation have increased rapidly in the last 12 years. Under the Makhana Development Scheme launched in the year 2019-20, ‘Swarna Vaidehi’ developed by the Makhana Research Center located in Darbhanga and the variety ‘Sabour Makhana-1’ of Sabour Agricultural College were made popular among the farmers. In the year 2025-26 also, through the Makhana Yojana, grants are being given on area expansion, advanced seed production and tools kits required for farming.
Farmers’ income also improved
There has been a significant improvement in the income of farmers due to increase in Makhana production. Its impact is clearly visible on the state’s revenue also. Before the year 2005, where the state got revenue of Rs 3.83 crore from fish and makhana water taxes, in 2023-24 it has increased to Rs 17.52 crore. Also, the area under Makhana cultivation has increased from 13 thousand hectares to 35,224 hectares.
These arrangements will provide new strength
Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said that Makhana cultivation will be taken to new heights through modern technology. Makhana Board and central schemes will strengthen research, seed, processing, branding and market system, which will provide right price and better market to the farmers.
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