How would Bihar Govt. fulfill its target of 30,000 tonnes Makhana Exports by 2030-31?
On Friday, the state agriculture minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said that Bihar has recently set a target of increasing makhana exports to 30,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31. This target is a part of a plan to make GI-tagged Mithila Makhana as a global superfood. Notably, the state accounts for 80-85% of India’s total makhana production. Moreover, the state govt plans to expand the area for Makhana cultivation from 41,000 hectares in 2025-26 to 82,000 hectares by 2030-31.
Rs 89.79 Crore earmarked for the enhancement of Makhana exports
It is noteworthy that the production of popped makhana is targeted to reach 91, 512 metric tonnes. According to an official release, Rs 89.79 crore has been set aside for 2026-27 to support the production, post harvest and research, branding and international promotion. Sinha revealed that India exported more tha 7,200 metric tonnes of makhana and value added products to over 20 countries in 2025-26 and earned $22illion. In addition, this year, GI-tagged Mithila Makhana consignments reached the US, Canada and Greece. Besides this, for the first time, 18 metric tonne consignment was shipped to Australia from the BIADA industrial area in Bihta.
The Minister also said that earnings from makhana cultivation had increased from Rs 35,000 per hectare in 2012-13 to Rs 4.25 lakh per hectare in 2025-26. The latest data has shown an increase of more than 12 times over the period, although the statement did not state that whether the estimates account for changes on cultivation costs or inflation. Under Bihar Vision 2030, the government set an aim which states that one in every two packets of makhana consumed worldwide carries the GI tag of Mithila Makhana. The target is aiming at boosting the product’s regional identity and enhance its recognition in international markets.
