#Mithila #Makhana# exported #Dubai #sea #major- achievement # state#Minister
-Bihar’s Makhana has become a brand name, and is now being exported abroad as well.
– Makhana-related schemes and government incentives have brought prosperity to Makhana farmers.
-Last year, the Makhana Board was formed, and large-scale foreign exports via waterways have also begun.
Patna, April 2.
In the financial year 2025-26, Bihar’s Makhana has emerged as a strong brand nationally and internationally. This was a time when the state and central governments worked together to elevate Bihar’s Makhana to international prominence. Government schemes, especially the Makhana Development Scheme and recent export initiatives, have significantly increased the income of Makhana farmers, giving a new impetus to the rural economy.
During this period, for the first time, GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was shipped from Purnia district to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) by sea. This historic consignment of 2 metric tons was dispatched on January 21, 2026. This export was accomplished in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Government of India), the Government of Bihar, and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Patna. This successful seaborne export demonstrates Bihar’s ability to meet international quality standards, packaging, and logistics. This has opened up new markets for farmers, farmer producer organizations, and entrepreneurs.
*National Makhana Board Formed in September*
The Central Government established the National Makhana Board in September 2025, transforming the fortunes of approximately 500,000 Makhana farmers in the state. Bihar produces approximately 85 percent of the country’s Makhana. The Board’s formation is strengthening processing, trade, value addition, and export. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally launched the Board in Purnia on September 15, 2025.
Additionally, the Central Government has approved the Makhana Development Scheme for the period 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of ₹476.03 crore. This scheme will encourage research, quality seed production, farmer capacity building, harvesting and processing techniques, value addition, branding, marketing, and export.
*Acreage under Makhana cultivation has tripled*
Makhana production is being promoted under the Makhana Development Scheme and the Chief Minister’s Horticulture Mission. In recent years, due to government incentives, the area under cultivation has tripled. In 2012, it was approximately 13,000 hectares, which has now reached approximately 35,000 hectares. Makhana is primarily produced in the districts of Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria.
*In quote……*
The financial year 2025-26 has been historic for Bihar’s Makhana. The seaborne export of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Dubai is a major achievement for the state, providing farmers with an opportunity to connect with the global market. The establishment of the National Makhana Board and the Makhana Development Scheme have given new impetus to production, processing, and export, improving the income and living standards of millions of farmers. The Bihar government is committed to establishing Makhana as ‘Brand Bihar’, so that the state can become a major hub for Makhana production and export globally.
– Ram Kripal Yadav, Minister, Agriculture Department, Bihar