Written by Sanjay Kumar Jha
Makhanas are a significant agricultural product of Bihar, accounting for 85 per cent of the world’s production. In the past decade, its cultivation has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from the traditional pond-based farming system to a more efficient field-based system. As a result, the area under cultivation has expanded to over 35,000 hectares, and production has more than doubled, currently at over 56,000 tonnes.
The announcement of the creation of the Makhana Board in Union Budget 2025-26 marks a pivotal moment for the sector. This has the potential to transform the makhana’s brand identity, domestically and globally, and enhance farmers’ incomes and the state’s GDP. In addition, the Board will provide farmers with training, resources, and financial assistance to enable them to adopt modern cultivation techniques.
Makhanas have been an integral part of Bihar’s cultural and social fabric. Its presence in rituals and festivals reflects its cultural importance and its growing recognition as a health superfood underscores its commercial potential. However, due to lack of food processing technology and limited market access, raw makhanas are sold at cheap prices.
During her recent visit to Bihar in November of 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman witnessed firsthand the immense potential of makhanas. The vision behind the Board is to tackle the challenges by focusing on three key areas: Production, processing, and marketing. Through targeted research and development, the Board will introduce high-yielding varieties of makhanas, improve farming practices, and offer training on modern techniques for better productivity. The subsidy schemes put in place by the Bihar government have been crucial in incentivising farmers.
But we must go further, ensuring that farmers adopt modern cultivation techniques that minimise labour and increase yield per hectare. The Makhana Board will also assist farmers in securing access to the necessary tools, equipment, and technology.
This comprehensive approach will address the gap between the traditional, labour-intensive methods currently used and the more efficient practices that can boost productivity and profitability.
The Centre is also establishing the National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar which will provide a strong fillip to makhana processing activities. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mithila Makhana was a significant milestone — it guarantees the unique quality and place of origin of the product, making it more appealing to international buyers.
In tandem with the Makhana Board, the creation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will empower farmers to tackle challenges collectively, access resources, and leverage economies of scale. FPOs offer comprehensive support to small farmers, providing end-to-end services that cover nearly every aspect of cultivation. They will increase farmers’ bargaining power and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices. This will lead to higher incomes and reduced dependency on intermediaries, ultimately strengthening the economic position of makhana farmers.
Bihar has made remarkable progress, with over 1,000 FPOs established across the state. Among these, 689 have been created under the Central Sector Scheme, 296 as part of the Jaivik Corridor Scheme and 19 supported by the Bihar State Horticulture Produce Development scheme. The Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society has facilitated the formation of 61 FPOs, while NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) has contributed to the establishment of more than 200 of them. This robust development underscores the state’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and empowering its farmers.
The agriculture department of the Bihar government aims to expand the cultivation area of makhanas to 70,000 hectares by 2035, with seed production expected to nearly double in the next three years. This growth will drive the production of popped makhanas from 23,000 to 78,000 metric tons (MT) over the same period. The sector’s value at the farmer level is projected to rise from over Rs 550 crore to 3,900 crore by 2035. The market value for popped makhanas is anticipated to surge from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 13,260 crore in the next decade, reflecting increased domestic and international demand.
This expansion will enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy. Employment opportunities will also expand, with farm-level engagement expected to grow from 20,000 to 50,000 families by 2035. Post-production value chain employment is set to increase from 5,00,000 to 7,00,000 individuals.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar once said, “One day, every plate in the world will have a Bihari dish.” This dream is beginning to come true. There are many countries where makhanas are exported. With the Makhana Board’s support, Bihar will be able to increase its share in the global market and create new business opportunities for farmers and exporters alike. Further, the creation of export infrastructure will be vital. Darbhanga’s airport and the upcoming Purnea airport will facilitate smooth cargo handling domestically, and Patna’s new greenfield airport will open new markets for healthy snacks such as makhanas in the US, Europe, and Middle East.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Parliament, “Bihar’s makhana is about to reach the world”.
The Makhana Board is a game-changer for Bihar. It holds the potential to transform the makhana industry from a traditional farming activity into a modern, export-oriented, and profitable sector. By providing training, support, and infrastructure, the Board will empower farmers, create jobs, boost exports, and contribute to Bihar’s overall economic growth. With collective effort of the government, farmers, and private sector, we can ensure that Bihar’s makhana industry thrives for generations to come.
The writer is MP, Rajya Sabha and National Working President, JDU
