Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has promoted makhana as India’s global superfood and announced that that Bihar’s makhana which is recognized as a global food will be now exported to Europe and other Asian countries, in addition to the USA, Canada, and Arab nations.
Union Minister Promoted Makhana as India’s Global Food at Makhana Festival
While speaking at the inauguration of the Makhana festival in Patna, the union agriculture minister said that in an attempt to promote makhana as India’s global superfood, an agreement has been signed to export makhana (foxnut) to African countries as well. The agriculture minister further highlighted that makhana is not only Bihar’s pride but also a symbol of Indian tradition, values, and the hard work of farmers. Notably, PM Modi has already announced the launch of the National Makhana Board in 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. Union Agriculture Minister further said that the government will completely support the Makhana farmers in Bihar and will also help in adopting modern agriculture methods to strengthen Bihar’s position as the leading Makhana producer. In context of the upcoming Bihar election, the Union government has launched several schemes to support the residents of Bihar which include Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana as well.
Procurement of all Lentils Produce at the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs)
Further, Mr. Chouhan also referred to the recent hike in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) announced by the Central Government for farmers. He said that the Centre will procure all the produce of lentils (masoor), urad, and arhar grown by Bihar’s farmers at MSPs.