Patna: The Bihar government has launched a new initiative to promote the cultivation of foxnuts, a nutrient-rich crop increasingly popular worldwide. The Agriculture Department’s 2025–26 scheme offers financial support to farmers looking to expand their foxnut cultivation, improve seed production, and access specialised tool kits.
Applications for the scheme can be submitted online through the Bihar Agriculture App or the Directorate of Horticulture website until October 10. Farmers can participate on plots ranging from 0.25 acres (0.1 hectares) to five acres (2 hectares), with subsidies covering seed costs, field preparation, and harvesting. The total unit cost for foxnut cultivation is estimated at Rs 97,000 per hectare, of which Rs 36,375 per hectare will be provided in the first year.
Under the seed production component, improved varieties such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 will be made available at subsidised rates. Subsidies of up to Rs 225 per kilogram will be offered for recommended seed varieties, with any additional cost borne by the farmer. Tool kits necessary for cultivation will also be available at reduced rates to both landowning and non-landowning farmers.
The scheme targets farmers across 16 districts: Katihar, Purnia, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Samastipur, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, and Muzaffarpur. Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen the state’s position in the global foxnut market while providing sustainable income opportunities for local farmers.
