Why in the News?

Union Budget 2025-26 announced constitution of Makhana Board in Bihar under 'Agriculture as the first engine' for India's development journey.

More on the News

• Board will be established to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana.
• Board will also provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant Government schemes.
• Budget Allocation: Rupee 100 crores.
• To streamline operations and improve collective bargaining power, people engaged in these activities will be organized into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

About Makhana

• Foxnut, commonly known as Makhana, is an important aquatic flowering crop with botanical name Euryale ferox (prickly water lily).
• It is a plant of tropical and subtropical climate.
• It is also referred to as the 'Black Diamond' due to its dark outer layer.
• It is grown in stagnant perennial water bodies like ponds, land depressions, oxbow lakes, swamps and ditches with water depths of 4-6 feet.
• Makhana is now being recognized as a super food.
• Preferred Climatic conditions
  • Temperature: 200C to 350 C
  • Relative humidity: 50% to 90%
  • Annual rainfall: 100 cm to 250 cm
  • Soil: Smooth loamy soil
• Makhana plant is considered as native of South-East Asia and China.
• Major Producing Regions
  • Bihar in India is the leading state accounting for ~90% of India's makhana production.
  • Other states: West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh but commercially produced in few states only.

• Domestic:
• International: Makhana is also grown in Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Russia and Korea.

Challenges in Makhana Cultivation

•  Low productivity: Traditional farming methods result in lower yields, with farmers achieving only 1.7–1.9 tonnes per hectare compared to the potential 3–3.5 tonnes per hectare using modern techniques. 
• Lack of processing infrastructure: Due to inadequate food processing units, raw makhana is often sold at lower prices to companies outside Bihar, reducing local farmers' earnings. 
• Export barriers: Strict global quality standards like food safety and hygiene certifications have limited exports, with only 2 percent of Bihar's makhana meeting international requirements. 
• Market inefficiencies: The absence of an organized marketing chain means farmers often receive lower prices due to the dominance of intermediaries. 
• Limited awareness among farmers: Many makhana farmers lack awareness about government schemes, financial incentives, and modern agricultural practices.
• Others: Proper weed management in water bodies, better quality equipment and related accessories, better cold storage facilities etc.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Makhana Board marks a significant step towards the organized promotion, research, and commercialization of makhana cultivation in India. By addressing challenges like traditional farming inefficiencies, post-harvest losses, and limited global reach, the board can play a pivotal role in making makhana a globally competitive superfood. Sustainable cultivation practices, coupled with government initiatives, will not only boost rural livelihoods but also position makhana as a key player in India's agri-export sector.