Bihar gets its Own Makhana Board in the Union Budget 2025-26

The Union Budget 2025-26 has placed Bihar under significant focus, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing many key projects for the state. Among the highlights of the Union Budget is the establishment of a Makhana Board as a potential game changer for the production, processing, and marketing of this highly nutritious aquatic crop. The initiative is expected to bring direct benefits to thousands of farmers in Bihar, especially in Mithilanchal, the region noted for extensive makhana cultivation.

Makhana, also known as fox nuts, has been an important part of Bihar’s agricultural culture for ages. The most important thing about the crop is that it is not only consumed throughout the country but has also been grabbing attention due to its high nutrition value. Although there has been a demand for makhana, several problems have been faced by makhana farmers, such as insufficient processing infrastructure, lack of organized marketing channels, and inadequate financial support. The newly announced Makhana Board will look into such matters by offering all types of suitable support, such as training and financial assistance, and linking them to the market.

Follow-On Public Offers (FPOs) is a primary attribute of this initiative that provides the requisite benefits to farmers through various government schemes. This organized and structured effort is anticipated to provide productivity enhancement, value addition improvement, and generation of newer avenues for rural livelihoods in makhana farming. The Board will also promote research and innovation in makhana processing, besides making the product competitive as per national and international standards.

Apart from the Makhana Board, other significant proposals for Bihar in the budget included the establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management. This institute is expected to play a crucial role in the development of food processing technology and entrepreneurship in the state. Further, the announcement of new greenfield airports and the expansion of Patna airport signify the government’s assurance about developing infrastructure in Bihar. Another major project, the West Kosi canal project in Mithilanchal, is meant to enhance irrigation facilities to further assist agriculture.

This is a major move towards recognizing Bihar’s potential both in agriculture and food processing. The Makhana Board is expected to become a real game-changer bridging gaps from production to market access. With systemic government support, now makhana farmers will be able to better leverage business opportunities that contribute to the state’s economy and put more money into their own pockets. 
With Bihar in the limelight in this year’s Budget, projects related to agriculture, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship portray the increasing significance of the state in India’s economic roadmap. The establishment of the Makhana Board is no longer just a policy pronouncement; it is a movement toward sustainability, one that will guarantee that Bihar’s agricultural wealth is a source of income not only for farmers but for the state and economy as a whole.