Lok Sabha Question No. 390 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-04
Subject: National Research Centre for Makhana
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Gopal Jee Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 390

TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  FEBRUARY, 2025

## NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR MAKHANA

390.   SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any plan/proposal to develop the National Research Centre for Makhana at Darbhanga as an institute of the national importance, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether all the basic infrastructure and other facilities related to Makhana and its development are present in the said institute as per the requirements of National Research Centre and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken in the field of research; and
- (c) the total amount spent by the Government for the development of this institute till now, year and item-wise along with the details of total number of Makhana producers being benefitted from this institute?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a): At  present,  there  is  no  proposal  to  develop  National  Research  Centre  for  Makhana  at Darbhanga as an Institute of National Importance.

(b):   The National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga, is a well-equipped facility dedicated to Makhana research and innovation, supported by a skilled team of scientists. Its key achievements  include  developing  high-yield  makhana  and  thornless  water  chestnut  varieties, introducing water-efficient and integrated farming systems, and launching Makhana-cum-fish farming. The  cultivation  practices  of  Indian  Lotus,  medicinal  plants  like Acorus  calamus (Sweet  flag)  and Alocasia montana have also been established. Several equipment/machines for Makhana popping and value-added products have been developed and licensed to manufacturers for commercialization namely Makhana seed washer, Makhana seed grader, Makhana seed primary roasting machine, Makhana seed popping machine, Popped Makhana grader and various type of value-added products. The  NRCM has trained  thousands  of  farmers  and  entrepreneurs,  driving  regional  industries  and livelihoods. Makhana cultivation has expanded from approximately 13,000 to 35,000 hectares across multiple states.

(c): Since May 2023, the NRCM, Darbhanga, has incurred expenditures of ₹2.65 crore in 202324 and ₹1.27 crore in 2024-25 (as of January 2025). The amount of funds spent during last five years:

| Financial Year   |   Expenditure (In Lakhs) |
|------------------|--------------------------|
| 2023-24          |                   265    |
| 2022-23          |                    15.95 |
| 2021-22          |                    17.87 |
| 2020-21          |                    23.5  |
| 2019-20          |                    18    |
| Total            |                   340.32 |

Over the  years,  15,824.1  kg  of  high-yielding  Makhana  seeds  have  been  distributed  to farmers, KVKs,  and  organizations across various states. Significant beneficiaries include institutions  like  NABARD,  fisheries  departments,  Bihar  Horticulture  Development  Society  and farmers from regions such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Between  2012  and  2023,  NRCM  trained  over  3,000  farmers  in  advanced  Makhana cultivation, processing, and marketing techniques, focusing on water-efficient practices, cropping systems,  and  nutrient  management. Additionally,  NRCM  has  assisted  24  enterprises,  including Mithila Naturals, Maa Vaishnavi Makhana, and Swastik Food Group, by providing technical inputs and fostering Makhana-based industries, further boosting the agricultural economy.

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