National Makhana Board Holds First Board Meeting

The first Board meeting of the National Makhana Board was held today at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Review of Action Plans and Budget Allocation

During the meeting, the Board:

• Reviewed Annual Action Plans submitted by States and research institutions
• Allocated budgets for various components aimed at the holistic development of the Makhana sector
• Focused on strengthening production, research, value addition and market linkages

Establishment of National Makhana Board

• The Union Government has established the National Makhana Board, fulfilling the announcement made in the Union Budget 2025–26. The creation of the Board marks a significant institutional reform to modernise and strengthen India’s Makhana (fox nut) sector.

Official Launch by Prime Minister

• The Board was officially launched by the Prime Minister in Bihar on 15 September 2025, recognising Bihar’s central role in Makhana cultivation and production.

Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana

To support the Board’s objectives, the Government has approved a Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana with:

• Total outlay: ₹476.03 crore
• Implementation period: 2025–26 to 2030–31

Focus Areas

The scheme aims at:

• Improving productivity and quality of Makhana
• Promoting research and innovation
• Supporting farmers and producer groups
• Enhancing processing, value addition and market access.

About Makhana

• Popped Lotus Seeds are the seeds of Euryale Ferox, a water lily plant that grows in Mithila region of Bihar, India.
• Makhana is the seed of the water lily plant, also called fox nut, lotus seed, and plant pop.
• Makhana is also known as Gorgon Nut or fox nuts, however it is not a nut.
• It is grown in India, Korea, Japan, and Russia.
• Makhana is a high-value commodity commercially cultivated only in Bihar and certain parts of eastern India. Besides this, it is grown as a natural crop in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, and Manipur.
• Makhana can be mixed with vegetables, popped like corn, and made into yummy porridge.
• Makhana has been proven to be a high nutrients rich food with medicinal properties for a daily healthy diet. The nutrients contained are vitamins, minerals, and fibers.