The National Makhana Board represents a landmark initiative by the Government of India to transform the lives of foxnut cultivators across Bihar and other states. Officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 15, 2025, this board operates under a Central Sector Scheme worth ₹476.03 crore spanning from 2025-26 to 2030-31. Bihar contributes roughly 90 percent of India’s total makhana production, yet farmers have long struggled with low prices and limited market access. This guide explains how the scheme works, what benefits farmers can expect, eligibility requirements, and how cultivators can access support through official channels.
National Makhana Board Scheme Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Central Sector Scheme for Makhana Development |
| Governing Body | National Makhana Board |
| Announced In | Union Budget 2025-26 |
| Official Launch Date | 15 September 2025 |
| Total Budget Outlay | ₹476.03 Crore |
| Scheme Duration | 2025-26 to 2030-31 |
| First Board Meeting | 15 December 2025 |
| Nodal Ministry | Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Primary Beneficiary State | Bihar |
| Official Portal | agriculture.gov.in |
Who Can Benefit from This Scheme
The National Makhana Board scheme primarily targets makhana cultivators engaged in foxnut farming across traditional and non-traditional growing regions. Over 5 lakh farmers and approximately 10 lakh families depend on makhana cultivation and processing for their livelihood.
Eligibility Criteria
Farmers meeting these conditions can access scheme benefits:
- Must be engaged in makhana cultivation or processing
- Small and marginal farmers receive priority consideration
- Members of Farmer Producer Organizations get additional support
- Women-led microenterprises in processing sectors qualify
- Fishermen communities traditionally involved in makhana farming
Geographic Coverage
While Bihar remains the primary focus, the board encourages expansion into non-traditional regions. Key production districts include:
- Darbhanga
- Madhubani
- Purnea
- Katihar
- Saharsa
- Supoul
- Araria
- Kishanganj
- Sitamarhi
These nine districts in the Mithilanchal region produce roughly 80 percent of Bihar’s total output.
Direct Benefits Farmers Will Receive
The scheme delivers multiple advantages addressing longstanding challenges faced by makhana cultivators.
Quality Seed Access
The board has designated State Agriculture University Sabour and Central Agriculture University Samastipur as primary suppliers of certified makhana seeds. This addresses a critical gap where traditional seeds yielded only 1.7-1.9 tonnes per hectare compared to potential yields of 3-3.5 tonnes using improved varieties.
The Sabour Makhana-1 variety has already demonstrated remarkable results, increasing the edible seed ratio from 40 percent to 60 percent.
Training and Capacity Building
Three institutions will conduct comprehensive training programs:
- State Agriculture University, Sabour
- Central Agriculture University, Samastipur
- NRC Makhana, Darbhanga
Training covers modern cultivation practices, improved harvesting techniques, post-harvest management, and emerging processing technologies.
Processing Infrastructure Support
Farmers have historically sold raw makhana at low prices to processing units outside Bihar. The scheme addresses this by:
- Establishing local grading facilities
- Creating drying and popping infrastructure
- Supporting packaging unit development
- Reducing dependence on intermediaries
Market Linkages and Export Support
Currently, only 2 percent of Bihar’s makhana meets international export standards. The board focuses on:
- Quality control improvements
- Branding assistance
- Certification support for global markets
- Direct market access creation
The global makhana market stood at $43.56 million in 2023 and projections suggest it could reach $100 million by 2033.
Scheme Implementation Structure
| Component | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Research | Cultivation and processing technology development |
| Seed Production | Quality seed multiplication and distribution |
| Training | Farmer capacity building programs |
| Infrastructure | Grading, drying, popping, packaging facilities |
| Value Addition | Product diversification and branding |
| Marketing | Domestic and export market development |
How the Board Functions
The first board meeting took place on 15 December 2025 at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, chaired this meeting.
Key decisions from the inaugural meeting included:
- Approval of Annual Action Plans from participating states
- Budget allocation for various scheme components
- Consolidation of seed requirements across states
- Designation of training institutions
- Roadmap creation for coordinated sectoral growth
Income Enhancement Potential
Makhana farming already enables cultivators to earn nearly three times more than traditional rice cultivation when using improved varieties and modern practices. The board aims to multiply these gains through:
Reduced Production Costs
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need to increase production while simultaneously reducing costs. Mechanization research and improved practices target this objective.
Better Price Realization
By organizing farmers into Farmer Producer Organizations, the scheme strengthens collective bargaining power. This reduces exploitation by intermediaries who previously captured most of the value chain profits.
Value Addition Opportunities
Beyond raw makhana, farmers can now participate in creating:
- Flavored makhana snacks
- Protein powder products
- Cosmetic ingredients
- Premium packaged goods
Connection with Other Government Schemes
The Makhana Board integrates with existing support programs:
| Scheme | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana | Irrigation support |
| National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture | Climate-resilient farming practices |
| Operation Greens | Post-harvest processing support |
| Makhana Vikas Yojana (Bihar) | State-level cultivation boost |
| One District One Product | Branding and infrastructure development |
How Farmers Can Access Benefits
Cultivators seeking scheme benefits should follow these steps:
Step 1: Contact your local agriculture department office.
Step 2: Inquire about Farmer Producer Organization membership in your area.
Step 3: Register for training programs conducted by designated institutions.
Step 4: Apply for seed procurement through official channels.
Step 5: Seek information about processing infrastructure support available in your district.
Step 6: Explore value addition opportunities through agriculture extension services.
Special Focus on Employment Generation
The scheme recognizes makhana processing as a labor-intensive industry with significant job creation potential. Women traditionally dominate processing activities, and the board specifically supports:
- Women-led microenterprises
- Skill development programs
- Processing unit employment
- Rural entrepreneurship opportunities
This focus aims to reduce seasonal migration by creating stable local employment.
Geographical Indication Tag Advantage
Mithila Makhana received its GI tag in 2022, providing cultivators with:
- Premium market positioning
- Protection against imitation products
- Enhanced brand recognition globally
- Higher price potential in export markets
The board works to ensure small farmers in registered GI zones benefit from this certification.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Budget Announcement | February 2025 |
| Official Board Launch | 15 September 2025 |
| First Board Meeting | 15 December 2025 |
| Scheme Duration | 2025-26 to 2030-31 |
Important Links
| Description | Website |
|---|---|
| Agriculture Ministry Portal | https://agriculture.gov.in |
| MyScheme Portal | https://myscheme.gov.in |
FAQs
When was the National Makhana Board officially launched?\
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the board on 15 September 2025 in Bihar.
What is the total budget allocation for this scheme?
The Central Sector Scheme has a total outlay of ₹476.03 crore covering the period from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
Which farmers can benefit from this scheme?
Makhana cultivators, small and marginal farmers, FPO members, and women-led processing enterprises across Bihar and other participating states can access benefits.
Where will quality makhana seeds come from?
State Agriculture University Sabour and Central Agriculture University Samastipur in Bihar have been designated as primary seed suppliers.
Does this scheme only cover Bihar?
While Bihar produces 90 percent of India’s makhana and remains the primary focus, the board encourages expansion into non-traditional cultivation regions across other states.
What training support is available?
SAU Sabour, CAU Samastipur, and NRC Makhana Darbhanga conduct training programs covering modern cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest management, and processing technologies.
Welcome to VacancyNewsTimes.in! I’m Darvish Kapoor, the Founder and Author of this platform, with 9+ years of experience in the digital news and information space. I am passionate about delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand updates related to government jobs, private sector vacancies, exams, results, admit cards, and career opportunities across India.