Focus on Boosting Makhana Output, Cutting Input Costs

06-Oct-2025 01:27 PM

Patna. The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, while emphasizing the need to increase makhana production and reduce input costs in the country, especially in Bihar, stated that this is essential to meet domestic and export demand.

The Union Agriculture Minister, who was in Patna to participate in the Makhana Festival, stated that the Prime Minister has already launched the National Makhana Board in Bihar on September 15, 2025. This board will promote the use of newly developed technologies in makhana production and cultivation.

Furthermore, the board will be responsible for strengthening post-harvest management, promoting the production and trade of value-added makhana products, and promoting processing.

Furthermore, it will also strive to facilitate the export promotion and brand development of whole makhana and value-added makhana products, so that makhana producers in Bihar and other states can benefit. Bihar is the leading makhana producer in the country.

Bihar alone contributes nearly 90 percent of the country's total annual makhana production. The major makhana-producing districts in Bihar include Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria.

These districts have favorable soil and climate conditions for makhana production, producing high-quality makhana. The National Makhana Board has been launched in Darbhanga, which is expected to significantly help increase production in Bihar in the coming years.

Makhana and its products are exported from India to many countries worldwide. Currently, the quantity is limited, but a significant increase is expected.

The domestic market price of makhana is high. This year, Bihar received good rainfall. The arrival of new supplies began in July and August and is still continuing. Prices remain strong due to festive demand.