Development of Makhana Scheme
The central government has approved a significant scheme aimed at the development of the Makhana sector with a budget allocation of Rs 476.03 crore covering the period from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
Key Focus Areas
- Research and innovation
- Quality seed production
- Farmer capacity building
- Improved harvesting and post-harvest practices
- Value addition, branding, and marketing
- Export promotion and quality control
National Makhana Board
The first board meeting of the National Makhana Board was chaired by Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Initiated the implementation process for the Board and the Central Sector Scheme.
- Reviewed Annual Action Plans submitted by States and research institutions.
- Allocated budgets for various components targeting holistic sectoral development.
State and Research Collaboration
The board emphasized consolidating states' seed requirements with supply from SAU Sabour and CAU Samastipur, Bihar, for the upcoming years.
- Training for trainers from various states by State Agriculture University, Central Agriculture University, Bihar, and NRC Makhana Dharbhanga.
Research and Development
The importance of R&D in cultivation and processing technologies was highlighted, along with infrastructure needs for:
- Grading, drying, popping, and packaging
- Promotion of modern cultivation practices
- Value addition and market linkages
- Export readiness
This foundational meeting set a roadmap for coordinated, scientific, and market-oriented growth of the makhana sector across India.
Launch of the National Makhana Board
The Union Government established the National Makhana Board as announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. It was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar on September 15, 2025, marking a significant step toward modernizing India's Makhana sector.
