**Executive Summary**
This document is the response to Unstarred Question No. 2754 in Lok Sabha, concerning the promotion of Makhana. It addresses questions related to Makhana production, the establishment of a National Makhana Board, and policies for branding and market expansion. The response includes information on a Central Sector Scheme for Development for Makhana for six years, from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Makhana Production and Potential:**
* India is the largest producer of Makhana, accounting for 80% of global production, with Bihar contributing 85% of the national production.
* Darbhanga district in Bihar is recognized as a primary hub for Makhana production.
* Darbhanga has been recognized under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative specifically for Makhana.
* **National Makhana Board:**
* The Government has established a National Makhana Board with a Gazette notification dated 14.09.2025.
* The Board aims to improve production, processing, value addition, marketing, and export promotion of Makhana.
* The focus will be on enhancing production and productivity through scientific research, improved farm techniques, and better harvesting and processing technology.
* **Central Sector Scheme for Development:**
* The Government has approved a Central Sector Scheme for Development for Makhana with an outlay of Rs. 476.03 crore for six years (2025-26 to 2030-31).
* The scheme components include need-based research, production and distribution of quality seeds, capacity building, improved harvesting practices, value addition, branding, and marketing support.
* **Market and Trade Enhancements:**
* The government will implement policies for Gl branding, MSP fixation and international market expansion for Makhana-based products.
* A separate HSN code has been created for Makhana to promote export.
* Mithila Makhana has received GI Tag for brand promotion.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Farmers and Fishermen in potential States**
* **Impact:** The scheme aims to uplift the economic status of farmers and fishermen through improved production and value addition in the Makhana sector.
* **Action Required:** Participate in capacity building and skill development programs; adopt improved harvesting practices and technologies.
**Stakeholder: Makhana Processing Units**
* **Impact:** The scheme aims to improve processing capabilities of makhana.
* **Action Required:** Modernise production process for export promotion.
**Stakeholder: General Public**
* **Impact:** The establishment of the National Makhana Board and the Central Sector Scheme aim to enhance India's share in the global Makhana market, improve competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
* **Action Required:** Stay informed about developments in the Makhana sector and potential opportunities.
Key Entities Referenced
National Makhana Board: Proposed board to promote Makhana production, processing, and export, with a focus on research and marketing.
Central Sector Scheme for Development for Makhana: Government approved scheme for the development of Makhana production in India.
Darbhanga: District in Bihar, recognized as a major hub for Makhana production and the location of ICAR-National Research Centre on Makhana, and under ODOP initiative.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: The government ministry responsible for policies related to agriculture and farmers' welfare, including the promotion of Makhana.
GI Tag: Geographical Indication tag received by Mithila Makhana, aimed at brand promotion.
O.I.H
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
LOK S ABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2754
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16th DECEMBER, 2025
PROMOTION OF MAKHANA
2754. Shri Gopal Jee Thakur:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी
be pleased to state:
(a) whether Darbhanga district is the main hub of Makhana production in the country
having immense potential for cultivation, research, processing and export;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to set up a National Makhana Board in
Darbhanga district in view of these potential;
(c) whether the Government has initiated any process of DPR/feasibility report, budget
estimate or site selection for setting up of Makhana Board;
(d) the direct benefits to local farmers, exports, processing units and job creating with the
setting of the Board there; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to issue a special policy for Gl branding, MSP
fixation and international market expansion for Makhana-based products?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण रा(cid:475) मं(cid:361)ी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)
(a) & (b): India is the largest producer of Makhana with 80% of global production. Out of
which Bihar contributes 85% of the national production of Makhana. Darbhanga district is
widely known as one of the primary hubs of Makhana production in Bihar; and it has been
acknowledged for its strong potential in cultivation and processing. An
ICAR-National Research Centre on Makhana is also situated in Darbhanga. Darbhanga has
been recognized under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative specifically for
Makhana.
(c) to (e): Makhana sector holds immense potential both as fresh and value added
production for uplifting economic status of large number of farmers and fishermen in the
potential States. In order to tap this potential, Government has established National
Makhana Board vide Gazette notification dated 14.09.2025 with primary objective to
improve production, processing, value addition, marketing and export promotion. The key
focus of the Board includes enhancing production and productivity of Makhana through
scientific research, improved farm techniques, better harvesting and processing
technology.
Government of India has also approved a Central Sector Scheme for Development
for Makhana with an outlay of Rs.476.03 crore for a period of six years (i.e. from 2025-26
to 2030-31) across the country. The key components of the scheme include need-based
research and innovation in the makhana sector, production and distribution of quality
seeds, capacity building and skill development of farmers and stakeholders, improved
harvesting practices and post-harvest management, value addition, branding and
marketing support, export promotion to enhance India’s share in global makhana trade,
and quality control measures to ensure competitiveness in domestic and international
markets.
A separate HSN code has also been created for Makhana to help in promoting its
export and Mithila Makhana has also received GI Tag for its brand promotion in domestic
and international markets.
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