National Makhana Board Launches Initiatives for Sector Growth
In a landmark meeting, the National Makhana Board convened for its first session today at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, led by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. This meeting marked the beginning of the implementation process for both the Board and the Central Sector Scheme aimed at revitalizing India’s makhana sector. The Board diligently reviewed the Annual Action Plans put forth by various states and research institutions, allocating budgets to numerous components designed to facilitate comprehensive development within the sector.
A key highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on consolidating the seed requirements of states, which will be supplied by the State Agriculture University (SAU) in Sabour and the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Samastipur, Bihar. Additionally, the Board announced a commitment to train trainers from several states at the State Agriculture University, Central Agricultural University, Bihar, and NRC Makhana in Dharbhanga. This training will focus on the latest technological advancements in the makhana value chain, catering to both traditional and nontraditional cultivation areas.
The gathering underscored the importance of need-based research and the development of advanced technologies for makhana cultivation and processing. Infrastructure improvements for grading, drying, popping, and packaging were also discussed. Moreover, the Board advocated for the promotion of modern cultivation practices, value addition, branding, market linkages, and enhancing export readiness.
This foundational meeting has established a clear roadmap for a coordinated, scientific, and market-oriented approach to the growth of the makhana sector across India.
Background on the Makhana Board
The establishment of the National Makhana Board is a fulfillment of a key announcement made during the Union Budget for 2025-26. Officially launched by the Prime Minister in Bihar on September 15, 2025, this initiative aims to significantly strengthen and modernize India’s makhana industry.
To bolster this effort, the government has rolled out a Central Sector Scheme for the Development of Makhana, with an extraordinary budget of ₹476.03 crore allocated for the period from 2025-26 through 2030-31. The scheme is geared towards research and innovation, quality seed production, enhancing farmer capabilities, and refining harvesting and post-harvest practices. Moreover, it aims to ensure value addition, branding and marketing, export promotion, and stringent quality control measures.
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