The board aims to improve the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of Makhana in Bihar state.
In support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign to eradicate obesity in India, Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman announced the establishment of a “Makhana Board” in Bihar calling it a special opportunity for the people of the state during his presentation of the Union Budget 2025–26 on Saturday morning.
The Makhana board aims to improve the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of Makhana, offering significant growth potential for this traditional crop and boosting Bihar’s agricultural economy.The people engaged in this activity will be organised into the Farmer Producer Organisations. The board will provide handholding and training support to Makhana farmers and will also work to ensure that they will receive all the benefits of all relevant government schemes.
The announcement is made at a time when Indians are becoming more conscious of their health issues and making smart dietary choices. The goal of the action is to revitalize Bihar’s stagnant makhana sector. Makhana’s ability to elevate India to a worldwide stage has been endorsed by a number of businesspeople, including Nikhil Kamath, the creator of Zerodha. Kamath has emphasized the potential of the industry and a Rs 6 crore business proposal.
