Makhana Board: A Key Step Towards Bringing Bihar To The Global Stage

Sanjay Kumar Jha

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The establishment of the Makhana Board in Bihar will help farmers, increase exports, and give global recognition to the Makhana industry, thereby strengthening the state’s economy.

The Union Budget 2025-26 announces the establishment of the Makhana Board, a historic move aimed at boosting the Makhana industry in Bihar.

This initiative will empower farmers, create employment, enhance exports, and provide global recognition to Bihar’s economy.

Makhana is a key agricultural product of Bihar, contributing to 85% of the global production.

Over the last decade, Makhana cultivation has seen a significant transformation, shifting from traditional pond-based farming to field-based cultivation.

With this shift, the cultivation area has increased to over 35,000 hectares, and production has doubled, currently exceeding 56,000 tons.

Establishment Of The Makhana Board

The Makhana Board will bring significant improvements to the production, processing, and marketing of Makhana.

The board will provide farmers with training, resources, and financial support, enabling them to adopt modern farming techniques and increase production.

Additionally, the establishment of high-yielding Makhana varieties and the promotion of better farming methods will encourage growth.

Improvement In Agricultural Production

The Bihar government is running several schemes to encourage farmers.

Through the Makhana Board, farmers will receive modern tools and technical assistance, which will enhance their productivity.

The establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar will promote Makhana processing.

Increase In Global Demand

The GI tag for Mithila Makhana is expected to boost the global demand for this product.

The development of airports in Bihar, such as Darbhanga and Purnia, will further boost exports. The new Patna airport will also open doors to new markets.

Empowering Farmers

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been formed to empower farmers.

These organizations will provide farmers with resources, training, and high-quality seeds, which will increase their income.

Economic Contribution Of Production

By 2025, the plan is to expand the Makhana cultivation area to 70,000 hectares, which will create more employment opportunities linked to Makhana production.

The increase in farmers’ income is also expected.

Thus, the Makhana Board will play a crucial role in giving a new direction to Bihar’s Makhana industry, empowering farmers, generating employment, and providing global recognition to Makhana products.

(The author is a Rajya Sabha MP and the National Executive President of JD(U).This article is based on a recent publication by The Indian Express.)

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