Patna: Bihar government is expanding its Makhana Development Scheme to modernise cultivation, processing and marketing of the crop, with farmers in 21 districts eligible for subsidies of up to 75% of costs.
The Directorate of Horticulture under the Agriculture Department is promoting scientific cultivation, improved seeds, modern processing methods and value-added products as part of efforts to establish ‘Mithila Makhana’ as a global brand.
Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the government aims to shift Makhana cultivation from a traditional practice towards a modern commercial model while improving farmers’ access to markets and better prices.
21 Districts Covered
According to the government, the scheme covers Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, Purnia, Saharsa, Supaul, Kishanganj, Sitamarhi, Madhepura, Araria, Khagaria, Samastipur, Bhagalpur, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, East Champaran, West Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali and Patna.
The government said Bihar accounts for more than 85% of India’s Makhana production. It is promoting both pond-based cultivation and field-based cultivation to expand the area under the crop.
Farmers are being provided improved varieties including Sabour Makhana-1 and Swarna Vaidehi, with subsidies aimed at encouraging wider adoption of improved cultivation practices.
Up To 75% Subsidy For Cultivation And Processing
The state government is providing direct subsidies of up to 75% of eligible costs for expanding Makhana cultivation into new areas and adopting modern techniques.
The subsidy is being transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The scheme also provides support for traditional and modern Makhana processing kits. The government said the assistance is intended to reduce the labour and time involved in extracting and popping Makhana while making the process more efficient.
Push For Value-Added Makhana Products
The government is also seeking to move farmers beyond the sale of raw Makhana, known as gudi, by promoting processing and value addition.
The GI tag awarded to ‘Mithila Makhana’ has strengthened the product’s recognition, the government said. It is now targeting markets in the US, Europe, Gulf countries and East Asia.
Under the initiative, Makhana powder and ready-to-eat products are being promoted to create new markets and enable farmers to secure better returns from their produce.
Support For Processing Units And FPOs
Financial assistance is also being provided to agro-based micro food processing enterprises and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) through the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme and the National Makhana Board.
The support covers activities and infrastructure such as Makhana processing units, grading and sorting machines and packaging facilities.
The government said the measures are intended to strengthen the Makhana value chain from production and processing to grading, packaging, value addition and marketing, while improving market linkages and encouraging Makhana-based enterprises.
Online Applications Open
Farmers, FPOs and women’s self-help groups seeking benefits under the Makhana Development Scheme and related subsidy programmes can apply online through the Directorate of Horticulture website or the Bihar Agriculture App.
Applicants can also approach their respective Block Horticulture Officers for further information.
The government said the broader objective is to expand Bihar’s Makhana presence in national and international markets while improving returns for farmers through scientific cultivation, modern technology and value addition.
