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Key Points

Bihar has become the world's leading center for makhana production with cultivation expanding dramatically from just 3,000 hectares. The Union Agriculture Minister announced a dedicated Makhana Board and substantial funding to boost research and global marketing. Farmers will benefit from MSP guarantees for pulses while youth are being encouraged to start makhana-related businesses. The government aims to position Indian makhana on dining tables worldwide while increasing farmer incomes.

Key Points: Shivraj Chouhan Says Bihar Leads World Makhana Production

  • Bihar now cultivates makhana across 35,000-40,000 hectares making it global leader
  • Central government establishes Makhana Board for research and marketing
  • Rs 475 crore sanctioned for modern machinery and processing facilities
  • Youth encouraged to launch startups in makhana sector with government support
2 min read

Bihar emerges as world's leading centre for makhana production: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Minister announces Makhana Board, Rs 475 crore funding, and global export push as Bihar becomes world's top makhana producer covering 35,000+ hectares.

"Our goal is to take makhana from India to dining tables across the world - Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

Patna, Oct 4

Makhana is an “extraordinary blessing” for the poor in Bihar, and the state has emerged as the world’s leading centre for makhana production, covering 35,000–40,000 hectares of cultivation area, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Saturday.

The minister said that earlier, Makhana was produced in nearly 3,000 hectares.

Participating in ‘Makhana Mahotsav 2025’ held at Gandhi Maidan here, Chouhan announced that the Central Government has notified the establishment of a Makhana Board to promote research, development, marketing, branding, and promotion of makhana.

He added that nearly Rs 475 crore has been sanctioned for modern machinery, new variety development, and processing facilities to boost makhana production and value addition.

Appealing to Bihar’s youth to launch startups in the makhana sector, the Union Minister assured full support from the Central Government.

“Our goal is to take makhana from India to dining tables across the world, ensuring a steady rise in farmers’ incomes,” the minister said.

In his address, Minister Chouhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently extended a historic gift worth Rs 64,000 crore to the youth, especially those from Bihar.

“Bihar is witnessing showers of prosperity and development — the sun of a developed India is shining brightly on the state’s destiny,” he remarked.

The Union Minister also referred to the recent hike in the minimum support price (MSP) announced by the Central Government for farmers.

He stated that the Centre will procure all the produce of lentils (masoor), urad, and arhar grown by Bihar’s farmers at MSP.

The minister was on a one-day tour of Bihar, where he participated in ‘Makhana Mahotsav 2025’ and released the report titled ‘Makhana: From Culture to Prosperity’ (Makhana: Sanskriti se Samridhhi).

Earlier, the minister announced that starting from the academic session 2025–26, 20 per cent of undergraduate seats in these universities will be filled through the All India Competitive Examination conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The minister said that eligibility norms and subject groups for the entrance exam have now been standardised.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
From 3,000 hectares to 40,000 hectares! That's incredible growth. Makhana is not just healthy but also has great export potential. Smart move by the government to focus on this superfood 💪
A
Ananya R
As someone from Bihar, I've seen how makhana farming has transformed lives in rural areas. The Makhana Board and Rs 475 crore investment will definitely boost the sector. Great initiative!
D
David E
While the focus on makhana is good, I hope the government ensures that the benefits actually reach the small farmers and not just big corporations. Implementation is key here.
S
Siddharth J
Makhana startups are a brilliant idea! With health consciousness growing globally, this could be Bihar's answer to California almonds. Youth should definitely explore this opportunity 🚀
K
Kavya N
My grandmother used to say makhana is nature's gift to Bihar. Now the world will know! The MSP assurance for pulses along with makhana focus shows comprehensive agricultural planning. Good work!

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