Makhana Vikas Yojana
75% subsidy, capped at ₹72,750 per hectare, on makhana seed, pond preparation and processing tools, backed by the new National Makhana Board.
Run by: Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar
- Subsidy rate
- 75% of input cost
- Notified cost
- ₹97,000/hectare
- Cap
- Up to ₹72,750/hectare
- Covers
- Seed, pond prep, processing tools
- Bihar's makhana area
- ~15,000 hectares
- National Makhana Board
- ₹476 crore, 2025-31
Overview
Bihar grows most of India's makhana (fox nut) — around 15,000 hectares under cultivation, producing roughly 10,000 tonnes of popped makhana a year, concentrated in the pond-rich Mithilanchal, Kosi and Seemanchal belt: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa and Khagaria. The state's Makhana Vikas Yojana subsidises the pond preparation, seed and hand-processing tools that make up the bulk of a grower's cost, along with training on modern popping and grading techniques.
The state department fixes the notified cost of cultivation at ₹97,000 per hectare, and pays 75% of that as subsidy — ₹72,750 per hectare — with the balance being the farmer's own contribution. Farmers can apply through their nearest Common Service Centre or the Bihar Krishi app, in addition to the district agriculture office.
This state-level push now sits alongside a much larger central initiative: the Union Budget 2025-26 announced a National Makhana Board, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally launched it in Purnea on 15 September 2025, backed by a ₹476.03 crore central-sector scheme running 2025-26 to 2030-31 for makhana research, quality seed, farmer training, post-harvest handling, branding and export promotion. The Board is headquartered in Purnea, while the existing National Research Centre for Makhana (ICAR-NRCM) in Darbhanga continues as the research and development hub. The Board complements, rather than replaces, Bihar's own state cultivation subsidy.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- 75% subsidy on makhana seed and pond-preparation cost, capped at ₹72,750/hectare.
- Support for processing and hand-popping tools that improve grain quality.
- Training on modern cultivation and post-harvest handling.
- Market and branding support linked to the National Makhana Board.
Who is eligible
State schemes usually state their criteria as prose rather than a checklist. This is that prose, unpacked — the department’s verification is what decides.
You qualify if
- Farmer cultivating or planning to cultivate makhana in Bihar
- Access to a wetland/pond suitable for makhana cultivation
- Registered with the district agriculture office for the scheme
Not covered
- Land not suitable for aquatic/wetland makhana cultivation
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- Aadhaar card
- Land or water-body record
- Bank passbook
- District agriculture office registration for the scheme
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Register with the district agriculture office
Apply for the scheme at the district office, via krishi.bihar.gov.in, the Bihar Krishi mobile app, or your nearest Common Service Centre, with land and pond details.
- 2
Take up subsidised inputs
Use the subsidy toward seed, pond preparation and processing tools as approved.
- 3
Attend training and claim subsidy
Complete the department's training component and submit bills/utilisation proof for the subsidy to be released.
If something goes wrong
Missing from the list, or payment stuck — here is the channel the department itself publishes for it.
- For an application or payment issue, first contact your district agriculture office, or the Agriculture Department's DBT helpline at 0612-2233555.
- If unresolved, escalate through Bihar Lok Shikayat, the state's public grievance redressal system — file online at lokshikayat.bihar.gov.in or call the toll-free 1800-345-6284. Complaints must legally be resolved within 60 working days, with a two-level appeal if not.
Frequently asked questions
Does this scheme cover only cultivation or also processing?
Both — it covers seed and pond-preparation cost as well as hand-processing/popping tools.
What is the National Makhana Board's role here?
It focuses on branding, quality standards and market/export linkages for makhana, complementing this state-level cultivation subsidy. It is a much larger central initiative — a ₹476.03 crore scheme for 2025-26 to 2030-31 — launched separately from this state scheme and headquartered in Purnea; it does not replace the state cultivation subsidy.
Is a water body compulsory to apply?
Yes, makhana needs a pond or wetland — the scheme is for farmers with access to suitable water bodies.
How is the ₹72,750/hectare figure calculated?
The department notifies a cultivation cost of ₹97,000 per hectare and pays 75% of it as subsidy, which comes to ₹72,750. The remaining 25% (about ₹24,250) is the farmer's own contribution.
Which districts is this scheme really meant for?
Makhana needs shallow ponds and wetlands, so it is concentrated in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa and Khagaria — the Mithilanchal, Kosi and Seemanchal districts — though any farmer in Bihar with a suitable water body can apply.
Facts checked against krishi.bihar.gov.in on 8 September 2026. editorial policy.