Lok Sabha Question No. 2754 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Promotion of Makhana
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Gopal Jee Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2754

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 th  DECEMBER, 2025

## PROMOTION OF MAKHANA

2754. Shri Gopal Jee Thakur:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी 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 क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (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.

******