National Makhana Board

08.10.2025

National Makhana Board

Context

On 15th September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Makhana Board in Purnea, Bihar, fulfilling the announcement made in the Union Budget 2025–26.
 The initiative aims to strengthen Makhana (fox nut) cultivation, processing, and exports, particularly in Bihar, India’s leading producer.

About the National Makhana Board

Objective:
 To promote production, innovation, value addition, and marketing of Makhana across India while supporting farmers through technology, training, and market access.

Functions:

• Enhance production efficiency and post-harvest management.
   
• Encourage research and adoption of high-yield varieties.
   
• Develop export infrastructure and establish value chains.
   
• Build a national brand identity for Indian Makhana.
   
• Facilitate public–private partnerships in processing and packaging.
   

Headquarters: Purnea, Bihar

Importance for Bihar and India

• Bihar accounts for nearly 90% of India’s total Makhana output.
   
• Major producing districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi — forming the Mithilanchal region.
   
• Among them, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar produce nearly 80% of the state’s total.
   

Other states: Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha also cultivate Makhana on smaller scales.
 Outside India: Cultivation occurs in Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.

Significance of the Board

• Bridges regional disparity: Although Bihar grows most of India’s Makhana, Punjab and Assam are currently the largest exporters, due to better processing and logistics.
   
• Addresses infrastructural gaps: Bihar lacks cargo facilities and a strong food processing industry, limiting direct exports.
   
• Improves productivity: The crop is labor-intensive, raising input costs. Adoption of high-yielding varieties like Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 remains low.
   
• Boosts farmers’ income: The Board will provide training, export readiness, and technology integration to make Makhana cultivation sustainable and profitable.
   

Makhana — “Black Diamond” of Mithila

Botanical Name: Euryale ferox (prickly water lily or gorgon nut)
 Common Names: Fox nut / Black Diamond
 Description:

• Aquatic crop grown in stagnant freshwater ponds, wetlands, or lakes.
   
• Recognized for its large, spiny, circular leaves and purple-white blossoms.
   
• Edible seeds are blackish-brown, which after roasting or puffing become light snacks known as ‘lava’.
   

Nutritional Profile:
 Rich in carbohydrates, protein, and essential minerals; valued for health and medicinal properties in Ayurveda and modern diets.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• Mithila Makhana received the GI Tag in 2022, affirming its unique regional identity and quality.
   
• Validity: 10 years, renewable thereafter.
   
• The tag has enhanced branding and helped protect local farmers from counterfeit products.
   

Climatic and Geographical Conditions

The National Turmeric Board

• Established: January 2025
   
• Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana
   
• Objective: To boost turmeric production, processing, and exports with a target of USD 1 billion in exports by 2030.
   
• India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of turmeric, holding over 62% of global trade.
   
• FY 2023–24: India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes, worth USD 226.5 million.
   

Significance:
 The creation of the Turmeric and Makhana Boards reflects the government’s sector-specific approach to agricultural diversification and export promotion.

Way Forward

1. Infrastructure Development:
    Establish cargo terminals and processing hubs in Bihar to support exports directly from production zones.
    
2. Technology and R&D:
    Promote mechanization in harvesting, seed improvement, and water management through agricultural research institutions.
    
3. Skill and Training:
    Implement farmer training programs on cultivation, grading, packaging, and export compliance.
    
4. Investment and Branding:
    Attract private sector participation in food processing, logistics, and e-commerce for global Makhana branding.
    
5. Sustainability:
    Promote eco-friendly cultivation, wetland conservation, and water-use efficiency to sustain Makhana ecosystems.
    

Conclusion

The National Makhana Board represents a landmark initiative to revive traditional aquatic agriculture and empower rural farmers, especially in Bihar’s Mithilanchal region.
 By combining scientific innovation, value addition, and global marketing, India aims to transform Makhana from a regional delicacy into an export-driven superfood, positioning it alongside turmeric as a symbol of agro-based economic transformation and rural prosperity.