The Board endorsed a centralised approach to seed consolidation, directing State Agricultural University (SAU) Sabour and Central Agricultural University (CAU) Samastipur, Bihar, to coordinate production and supply of quality makhana seed for current and next seasons. Officials said central coordination will help timelier distribution and reduce seed shortages that constrain expansion into new areas.
Training of trainers will be led by SAU Sabour, CAU Samastipur and the National Research Centre (NRC) for Makhana, Darbhanga. The programme aims to equip state extension personnel with improved agronomic techniques, post-harvest handling and mechanised popping methods skills crucial to raising yields and product quality.
Research, Infrastructure and Value-Addition
Need-based research and technology development are central to the Board’s priorities. Funding will target cultivation improvements, seed multiplication, mechanised harvesting and post-harvest processing including grading, drying, popping and packaging infrastructure. These investments are expected to reduce losses, improve shelf life and enable value addition moving makhana beyond a raw commodity towards branded snack products.
The scheme explicitly supports washeries, grading units and organised popping facilities to standardise quality and meet domestic and international buyer specifications. Officials emphasised quality control and testing facilities to build export readiness.
Annual Action Plans and State-Level Focus
The Board reviewed and cleared Annual Action Plans submitted by states and research bodies. These plans will finance farmer training, demonstrations, extension services, pilot projects in non-traditional areas, and strengthening mandi-to-market linkages. Special emphasis will be placed on improving harvesting and post-harvest practices to raise effective incomes for farmers in traditional makhana belts as well as newly identified regions.
By consolidating state requirements for seed and infrastructure, the Board aims to avoid duplication and ensure efficient budget utilisation across the project period (2025–31).
Branding, Market Linkages and Exports
A key objective of the scheme is to enhance makhana’s marketability. The Board has prioritised investment in value addition ready-to-eat popping, flavoured snacks, and packaged makhana coupled with branding and export promotion. Allocations will support market development, participation at trade fairs, and partnerships with private processors to scale product development.
Export allowance and quality upgrades are expected to open overseas markets for premium makhana products, generating higher returns for producers and processors alike.
Roadmap to Improve Farmer Incomes
Board members highlighted that coordinated seed supply, targeted research, and strengthened post-harvest facilities will directly support farmers’ incomes by reducing wastage and enabling higher value realisation. The Nakhana sector’s roadmap positions makhana not merely as an agricultural commodity but as a value-added food product with growing domestic and international demand.