National Makhana Board Launches ₹476 Crore Scheme for Farmers

The National Makhana Board was formally launched on September 15, 2025, in Bihar, marking a significant milestone for India's aquatic crop industry. The board announced a comprehensive development plan for 2025-26 to 2030-31, backed by a ₹476.03 crore budget. The scheme is designed to address critical gaps such as high-quality seed distribution, mechanised post-harvest handling, and aggressive branding for export markets. In its first year, over 8,000 farmers across the country benefited from the scheme. By strengthening the value chain, the government aims to raise farm-gate prices and increase the global export volume of Bihar's makhana, ensuring the state's 60,000-tonne output translates into real prosperity.