Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the launch of the National Makhana Board in Bihar. Complimenting the move, PM Narendra Modi said that the National Makhana Board will promote production with the development of new technology. This initiative by government will benefit Makhana farmers from across the country including Bihar, where 90 per cent of the total Makhana production of the country is produced.
Sharing the information about the same Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X shared that “Makhana and Bihar have a very deep connection. Tomorrow from Purnia, the National Makhana Board will be launched. This will benefit many farmers associated with this region.” He further explained that the Makhana Board will be set up specifically with the aim of empowering the economic interests of Makhana farmers and promoting this unique agricultural product on the global platform.
National Makhana Board for the Farmers of Bihar
The national Makhana Board is a new government body announced by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2025-26 budget. The board has been set up to promote the interests of local farmers and to promote makhana industry in India. It was set up with an initial budget of Rs. 100 crore and will work primarily in Bihar where 90 percent of India’s makhana is produced.
Districts like Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria are the major centres of Makhana production in Bihar as the climatic conditions of these districts contribute to the better quality of Makhana. Recently Govt. also inaugurated the regional office of Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Patna to boost and strengthen Bihar’s presence on the global agricultural export map.
PM Modi Visits Purnea to Inaugurate Projects
The announcement to inaugurate National Makhana Board comes at a time when PM Narendra Modi is on his poll-bound visit to Bihar. During his visit he will launch multiple projects worth nearly Rs 36,000 crore, which includes the Interim Terminal Building at the New Civil Enclave of Purnea Airport, Vande Bharat Express between Jogbani and Danapur, Amrit Bharat Express trains between Saharsa–Chheharta (Amritsar) and Jogbani–Erode, as well as a passenger service connecting Araria and Kishanganj. However, the major highlights of the visit remain the launch of the National Makhana Board in Bihar.