Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in Samastipur, Bihar, inaugurated the National Makhana Board, calling it a “revolution”. Bihar produces nearly 90% of India’s makhana (fox nut) output, mainly concentrated in Mithilanchal (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Supaul, etc.).
UPSC Relevance:
Economy and Geography
UPSC PYQ:
With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
- The Tea Board is a statutory body.
- It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
- The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
About Makhana:
- Makhana: Makhana is a type of seed derived from Euryale ferox plant. They are also sometimes referred to as Fox Nuts or Lotus Seeds.
It is a Aquatic Crop(An aquatic crop is a plant grown in or around water for food or other purposes.)
- Makhana is widely cultivated throughout Asia and often used in Medicine and Cuisine.
- Nearly 90% of world production of Makhana comes from Bihar, Specifically the 10 District of Bihar i.e. Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Katihar, Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Saharsha, Supaul & Madhepura.
Growing Conditions:
- Makhana or Fox nut is a plant that is mostly found and grown in tropical and subtropical climates.
- It requires a conducive range of temperature between 20 to 35 degree Celsius for proper growth and development, along with a relative humidity of 50%-90% and an annual rainfall of 100-250 cm.
- Soil: Smooth loamy soil
- The plant flourishes well in stagnant perennial water bodies (including various ponds, land depressions, oxbow lakes, swampy lands and ditches) with 0.2-2 m depth, with thick rhizomatous stem, deeply rooted in cluster form in sediment.
India is the largest producing country of makhana, accounting for 70-80% of the global yield
Also known as ‘ Black Diamond’ due to its multi-purpose use in medicine, healthcare, nutrition, the plant can be consumed in various forms. It is also widely consumed by people across the globe as a popular breakfast, evening snack, curries and sweetmeats. The plant has assumed great commercial importance in the last few years with ever increasing export potential to leading countries across the globe.
- Other neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea come after India in terms of fox nut production. Furthermore, the global Makhana market, which was valued at $43.56 million in 2023, is expected to reach $100 million by 2033.
Makhana Board:
- In Union Budget 2025-26 announced constitution of Makhana Board in Bihar.
- Budget Allocation: Rupee 100 crores.
- Board will be established to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana.
- While an official headquarters has not been fully established, the board was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Purnea, Bihar.
- Ministry – Ministry of Commerce
The National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga.
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