Katihar: Makhana farmers in Bihar’s Seemanchal region are looking forward to better days as finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Katihar with a special credit outreach programme. This plan, launched by the Centre, is expected to give farmers financial security, reduce their risks and bring a wave of new opportunities for industries connected to makhana. Experts believe that the move could not only make farming more organised but also take Bihar’s famous makhana to the global market in a stronger way.
The Seemanchal region, which includes Katihar, Purnia, Kishanganj and Araria, has natural advantages for makhana cultivation. Water is available throughout the year, either from rainfall or from underground sources through pumpsets. Because of this, makhana farming has become an important source of livelihood for thousands of families. At present, Katihar produces around 12,900 metric tonnes of makhana every year, while Purnia produces about 8,000 metric tonnes. With fresh financial help, the government expects these figures to rise, while industries for processing and packaging could also be set up in the area.
Farmers say the new credit plan will finally help them escape from moneylenders. Until now, many growers had no choice but to sell their produce or even their fields at very low prices because they lacked support from banks. With loans, insurance and compensation schemes in place, they will be able to take fewer risks and earn more from their crops. Some farmers also hope that drones will be made available on rent to help spray medicines, which is one of the toughest parts of cultivating makhana. Cheap access to this technology would be especially useful for small farmers.
Local businessmen see the programme as a chance to expand the makhana market. They say that giving GST exemption in the early days would encourage more companies to invest in this sector. This would create healthy competition and directly benefit farmers. Traders have also called for testing facilities to be set up within Bihar itself, so that makhana samples for export do not have to be sent to other states like Haryana. This, they argue, will save both money and time and make Bihar a more attractive hub for export-quality makhana.
During her visit, Sitharaman will also meet bankers at a special session in Chhitabari’s Ram Darbar. Senior officials from the Central Bank of India and State Bank of India will take part in the discussions, where farming schemes and credit policies will be reviewed. For farmers and traders in Seemanchal, this meeting is being seen as a turning point that could bring lasting prosperity to the makhana belt of Bihar
