Makhana/Foxnut Industry

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:

1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. 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.