National Makhana Board clears state action plans; focus on seed quality, value addition, branding and export promotion
NEW DELHI: The National Makhana Board on December 11, 2025 held its first board meeting and initiated the implementation of a ₹476.03-crore Central Sector Scheme aimed at the holistic development of India’s makhana (fox nut) sector, with a focus on research, quality seed production, value addition, branding and export promotion.
The meeting, chaired by Dr Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, was held at Krishi Bhawan here and marked the formal rollout of both the newly constituted Board and the Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana.
Annual Action Plans Cleared, Budgets Allocated
During the meeting, the Board reviewed Annual Action Plans submitted by state governments and research institutions and approved budget allocations for various components of the scheme. The interventions are aimed at achieving coordinated, scientific and market-oriented growth of the makhana sector across traditional and non-traditional cultivation areas.
Officials said the focus would now shift to capacity building, infrastructure creation and technology adoption to enhance productivity and farmers’ income.
Seed Consolidation Strategy Approved
The Board emphasised the need for consolidating seed requirements of states, which will be supplied by State Agriculture University (SAU), Sabour and Central Agriculture University (CAU), Samastipur, Bihar, for the current and next financial year.
This approach is expected to ensure the availability of quality planting material, a key constraint in expanding makhana cultivation beyond traditional belts.
Training and Technology Transfer in Focus
To strengthen human resources, the Board decided that SAU Sabour, CAU Samastipur and the National Research Centre (NRC) for Makhana, Darbhanga will conduct ‘training of trainers’ programmes for officials and practitioners from different states.
The training will cover the latest technologies across the makhana value chain, including modern cultivation methods, harvesting techniques and processing practices, enabling expansion into non-traditional areas.
Infrastructure for Processing and Value Addition
The meeting stressed the urgent need to develop infrastructure for grading, drying, popping and packaging of makhana to reduce post-harvest losses and improve product quality.
The Board also highlighted the importance of need-based research, development of improved cultivation and processing technologies, and promotion of modern agricultural practices to enhance productivity and quality.
Branding, Market Linkages and Exports
Officials said the scheme will support value addition, branding, market linkages and export readiness, positioning makhana as a high-value, nutrition-rich product in domestic and global markets.
Quality control mechanisms will also be strengthened to meet export standards and ensure consistency in product quality.
Background: Board and Scheme
The National Makhana Board was established following an announcement in the Union Budget 2025–26 and was officially launched by the Prime Minister in Bihar on September 15, 2025.
To operationalise the initiative, the Union government approved a Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana with a total outlay of ₹476.03 crore for the period 2025–26 to 2030–31.
The scheme focuses on research and innovation, quality seed production, farmer capacity building, improved harvesting and post-harvest practices, value addition, branding and marketing, export promotion and quality assurance.
Officials said the first Board meeting has laid a clear roadmap for integrated and sustainable development of the makhana sector, with an overarching objective of boosting farmers’ income and strengthening India’s position in the global makhana market.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana |
| Total Outlay | ₹476.03 crore |
| Scheme Period | 2025–26 to 2030–31 |
| Implementing Body | National Makhana Board |
| First Board Meeting | December 12, 2025 |
| Meeting Venue | Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi |
| Chairperson of Meeting | Dr Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Key Focus Areas | Research, Quality Seed Production, Training, Value Addition, Branding, Exports |
| Major Institutions Involved | SAU Sabour, CAU Samastipur, NRC Makhana Darbhanga |
| Target Regions | Traditional and Non-Traditional Makhana-Growing Areas |
| Infrastructure Support | Grading, Drying, Popping, Packaging Facilities |
| Farmer-Centric Goal | Productivity Increase and Income Enhancement |
| Export Orientation | Quality Control and Export Readiness |
| Budget Announcement | Union Budget 2025–26 |
| Official Launch of Board | September 15, 2025, Bihar |
