Patna: Bihar’s makhana farmers are set to see a major transformation in their livelihoods as the central government has officially announced the formation of India’s first Makhana Board. The move is expected to benefit nearly five lakh farmers across the state, which contributes about 85% of the country’s total makhana production. Officials believe this step will give a big boost to makhana processing, trade, and export potential, putting Bihar on the global map for this nutritious superfood.
Makhana, also known as fox nut, has grown in popularity worldwide because of its health benefits. Over the past decade, Bihar’s makhana cultivation area has expanded rapidly, increasing from around 13,000 hectares in 2012 to more than 35,000 hectares today. This growth has been driven by the state government’s Makhana Vikas Yojana, launched in 2019-20, which promotes improved seed varieties such as Swarn Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 developed by research centres in Darbhanga and Sabour.
The Makhana Board is expected to provide better marketing facilities, improve storage infrastructure, and create new job opportunities. Farmers in ten key districts, including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria, will benefit from the scheme. Financial support for storage houses and awareness events like the Makhana Mahotsav are already helping farmers get better prices and reduce losses.
The economic impact is already visible. Revenue from water tax on fish and makhana cultivation has increased more than fourfold – from Rs 3.83 crore before 2005 to Rs 17.52 crore in 2023-24. With the formation of the Makhana Board, experts say farmer incomes will rise even more, rural employment will grow, and Bihar will solidify its position as the leading producer of this high-demand crop.
