https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Bihar’s Makhana Reaches U.S. Market as Production Triples, Marking Milestone Amid GI Tag & 4.5x Revenue Surge

Makhana productivity soars to 28 quintals per hectare with high-yield varieties
Indian Masterminds Stories

Patna: In a major milestone for Bihar’s agricultural sector, Makhana (fox nut) cultivated in the state has now made its way to the American market, thanks to a sustained push by the Bihar Government, the Agriculture Department, and COMFED (Sudha). Over the past decade, the state has not only expanded the cultivation area of Makhana but also significantly improved productivity – transforming the traditional crop into an export-ready superfood.

Makhana Cultivation Area Nearly Triples Since 2012
In 2012, Makhana cultivation in Bihar was limited to 13,000 hectares. However, through targeted schemes like the Chief Minister Horticulture Mission and Makhana Vikas Yojana, this area has expanded to 35,224 hectares in 2025.

  • Productivity has surged from 16 quintals per hectare in 2012 to 28 quintals per hectare.
  • Over 25,000 farmers are now engaged in Makhana farming.

This sharp growth is attributed to the introduction of high-yielding varieties and government-backed initiatives for storage, mechanization, and marketing.

GI Tag and Global Recognition Boost Export Potential
Makhana received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag on August 20, 2022, under the name Mithila Makhana, giving it a distinct identity in both domestic and international markets. This recognition has played a key role in opening doors for exports, with Sudha recently sending its first shipment to the United States.

To further support exports and systematic growth, the Bihar Government is now forming a Makhana Board. This board will focus on-

  • Area expansion
  • Mechanization and processing
  • Branding and marketing
  • Export facilitation

Targeted Schemes Driving Farmer Participation and Innovation
The Makhana Vikas Yojana, launched in 2019–20, has introduced scientifically developed varieties like-

  • Swarn Vaidehi (by Makhana Research Center, Darbhanga)
  • Sabour Makhana-1 (by Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College)

These are promoted via demonstration plots in 10 key Makhana-producing districts- Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria.

Production has now expanded to 16 districts to meet rising demand.

Revenue from Makhana Sector Quadruples Since 2005
The state’s revenue from fisheries and Makhana water taxes has witnessed a 4.57-fold increase:

  • 2005: ₹3.83 crore
  • 2023–24: ₹17.52 crore

This surge reflects Makhana’s growing commercial and export viability.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
DMF fund utilisation
District Collectors Must Ensure Timely Use of DMF Funds, Says Mines Secretary; Flags Non-Spending in Some States
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)1
PNGRB Unveils 2025–26 Action Plan: Petroleum Products Exchange, Unified Gas Tariff, & Hydrogen Safety in Focus
OIL GAIL
15-Year Gas Pact Signed Between OIL and GAIL for Rajasthan Power Generation, Strengthens Domestic Gas Supply
Screenshot 2025-07-09 200810
NTPC Simhadri Inaugurates First Rooftop Solar Plant on 28th Raising Day - Details Inside
Uttar Pradesh CM resized
Yogi Government Unveils Delta Ranking for Aspirational Development Block; Top 5 to Receive Rs 20 Crore Incentive, Jalaun Tops the List
Niti-Aayog
Jharkhand: Ranchi’s Sankalp Sinha Appointed to NITI Aayog's Standing Committee on Research & Innovation
NBCC C-DOT Innovation Hub Mehrauli
Next-Gen Tech Wonderland in Delhi: NBCC & C-DOT Partner on Rs 220 Crore Innovation Hub
Punauradham
Punauradham to Undergo Rs 882.87 Crore Transformation as Bihar Aims to Develop a Grand Ramayana Pilgrimage Hub - Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-07 at 3.15
The Martial Artist IRS Officer Who Conquered North East India on a Cycle
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-03 at 13.33
IRS Sanjay Bahadur: The Officer With a Pen That Bites | Video Interview
Inderjit Singh Air India
Is Air India Carrying The Burden of Split Before Privatisation?
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Sushmitha and Ishwarya Ramanathan
Their Home Was Washed Away — Sushmitha & Ishwarya Built a Legacy Instead
Sushmitha and Ishwarya lost their home to the 2004 tsunami. But with books, belief, and each other, they...
IAS SHWETA BHARTI Bihar
From Wipro to Civil Services: How Bihar's IAS Shweta Bharti Juggled a BPSC Job While Preparing for UPSC
IAS Shweta Bharti, from rural Bihar, balanced a full-time job and UPSC prep with discipline, cracked...
IPS Deepak Meghani
Deepak Meghani, IPS: A Journey of Focus, Failure, and Quiet Discipline
A passionate writer, he has authored several books in Gujarati, ranging from exam strategy guides to...
Social Media
G S Roshni
Kerala’s Fearless Forest Officer G.S. Roshni Rescues 16-Foot King Cobra with Bare Hands, Garners Praise & Critique
Beat Forest Officer G.S. Roshni’s first-ever king cobra rescue goes viral, earning her the title of ‘Green...
Kaziranga Baby Elephant
Chotu the Baby Elephant Reunited with Mother in Kaziranga: Retired IFS Officer’s Post Goes Viral
A baby elephant's emotional reunion with its mother in Kaziranga, shared by retired IFS officer Susanta...
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu’s Visit to NADT Turns into a Wholesome Tribute to Legacy—and ‘Moolchandj
The Olympic champion shared nostalgic memories, met aspiring IRS officers, and sparked viral laughter...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
DMF fund utilisation
District Collectors Must Ensure Timely Use of DMF Funds, Says Mines Secretary; Flags Non-Spending in Some States
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)1
PNGRB Unveils 2025–26 Action Plan: Petroleum Products Exchange, Unified Gas Tariff, & Hydrogen Safety in Focus
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-07 at 3.15
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-03 at 13.33
Inderjit Singh Air India
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT