Patna: The Directorate of Horticulture in Bihar has been awarded the Golden Peacock Innovative Product/Service Award 2026 for its work on the Makhana (fox nut) value chain, marking national recognition for the state’s efforts to develop the crop’s production and marketing ecosystem.
The award, given by the Institute of Directors (IOD), was communicated in a letter dated April 4, 2026. According to the organisation, the selection was made by a jury chaired by former Chief Justice of India Uday U. Lalit.
बिहार के लिए गर्व का क्षण!
कृषि विभाग के उद्यान निदेशालय को मखाना वैल्यू चेन के लिए Golden Peacock Award 2026 से सम्मानित किया गया।@Rpcau_pusa @Agribih @IPRDBihar @biharagrigroup @Horti_GoI @Directoratbih @NITIAayog @SanjayAgarw_IAS @sanjay_saraogi @narendramodi… pic.twitter.com/G3QPnhVta8— Directorate Of Horticulture, Deptt of Agri, Bihar (@HorticultureBih) April 6, 2026
Officials said the award recognises the directorate’s interventions across the Makhana value chain, including production support, processing, branding, packaging and export facilitation. The department has been working to scale up the crop’s commercial reach, with a stated focus on improving farmer incomes and quality standards.
Bihar accounts for around 85% of India’s Makhana production, making it the dominant producing state. In recent years, the crop has been promoted as a key horticultural product for both domestic and international markets.
A letter informing the award was sent to Abhishek Kumar, director of the Directorate of Horticulture. In a statement included in the communication, Dr V K Agnihotri, director general of the IOD, congratulated the team and noted their focus on sustainability and performance.
The award trophy and certificate will be presented at a ceremony in New Delhi. Officials said the recognition reflects broader efforts by the state government to strengthen horticulture value chains beyond Makhana as well.
Bihar agriculture minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the award was the result of combined efforts by farmers and government policy. “The Golden Peacock Award 2026, received by the Directorate of Horticulture, is the result of the hard work of Bihar’s farmers, the government’s visionary policies, and effective teamwork,” he said. “As ‘Brand Bihar,’ Makhana is gaining recognition both within the country and abroad.”
