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Union Budget 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has declared creation of a Makhana Board In Bihar amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push against obesity and oil consumption
Bihar’s flood-prone areas, once seen as a challenge for farming, have now become a valuable asset, with Makhana emerging as a high-yield alternative to conventional crops.
Union Budget 2025: Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday morning, announced the creation of a “Makhana Board” in Bihar amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for obesity-free India.
The announcement comes at a time when people of India are growing increasingly aware of their health conditions and taking steps to eat healthy. The move aims to revolutionise Bihar’s dormant makhana industry.
Various entrepreneurs such as Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath had been vouching for Makhana’s potential to take India to a global platform. Kamath recently stressed the sector’s potential and highlighted a Rs 6 crore business idea. He wrote on X, “Maybe room here to build a really large brand, an Indian brand that sells to the world. Personally, I’m hooked on Makhana.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged the nation to combat obesity and cut down on oil consumption, a call that has gained widespread support from doctors, athletes, and people from various sectors.
At the inauguration of the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday, he highlighted the growing obesity problem in India, stressing its link to increased risks of diseases like diabetes and heart conditions, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
In his speech, Modi emphasised the significance of the Fit India Movement, promoting exercise, balanced diet, and reducing unhealthy fats and oils in food. He also proposed a practical step—reducing daily oil consumption by 10 percent.
What is Makhana?
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a popular snack in many parts of Asia, particularly India. These small, crunchy seeds are harvested from the Euryale Fox plant and are typically roasted or fried for consumption. Makhana is rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional snacks.
It’s often used in a variety of dishes, from savory snacks like makhana chaat to sweet preparations like makhana kheer. Additionally, it is believed to have various health benefits, including improving heart health, managing diabetes aiding digestion, and supporting weight loss due to its low-calorie content and high nutrient density.
Makhana Farming In Bihar
Bihar’s flood-prone areas, once seen as a challenge for farming, have now become a valuable asset, with Makhana emerging as a high-yield alternative to conventional crops. The development of ‘Sabour Makhana-1’, a new variety, has significantly increased yields and raised the edible seed ratio from 40% to 60%, resulting in nearly three times higher incomes for farmers compared to rice cultivation.
Makhana’s growing nutritional value has also fueled its expanding market presence. Despite its growth, the industry still grapples with major challenges. Makhana harvesting is labor-intensive, and strict export quality standards have resulted in only 2% of seeds meeting global requirements. However, government subsidies, improved processing methods, and technological innovations are helping to overcome these obstacles, paving the way for large-scale expansion.
