Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday called for a major push to boost makhana production and lower cultivation costs while attending the Makhana Festival in Bihar. His remarks come just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Makhana Board, aimed at strengthening the sector’s value chain and enhancing Bihar’s global footprint in makhana exports.
Chouhan highlighted the government’s focus on expanding production capacity and improving efficiency. “We need to increase the production of makhana and reduce its production cost,” he said, noting that the sector has immense potential to uplift farmers’ incomes in Bihar.
He also expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would return to power in Bihar, crediting the combined efforts of the central and state governments for driving rapid progress. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a Ganga of development has been unleashed in Bihar. This time, the NDA government will be formed again with a record-breaking majority,” Chouhan said.
Earlier, the minister posted on social media, describing makhana as “Bihar’s pride,” and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to expanding its cultivation and market access.
Prime Minister Modi’s recent launch of the National Makhana Board aims to promote research, technology adoption, post-harvest management, and export development. The initiative is expected to bring large-scale benefits to makhana farmers through improved value addition and brand building.
Bihar currently contributes nearly 90% of India’s total makhana production, with major cultivation centers in Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria. The state’s favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil make it a natural hub for the premium-quality aquatic crop.
The establishment of the new Makhana Board is expected to further strengthen Bihar’s position on the global agricultural map, ensuring higher productivity, greater farmer incomes, and enhanced export potential for one of India’s most distinctive superfoods.