Patna (Bihar) [India], October 4 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday assured that the Makhana Board will leave "no stone unturned" to enhance makhana production, reduce its cost, and develop high-yield seed varieties during the "Makhana Mahotsav 2025" in Bihar.
Speaking to mediapersons in Patna, Chouhan emphasised the "need for mechanisation" to ensure easy and safe extraction of makhana.
"The Makhana Board will leave no stone unturned to increase production, reduce the cost of makhana, and research new seeds that yield higher yields. Mechanisation is needed to ensure easy extraction of makhana... This will ensure easy and safe extraction of makhana... The Makhana Board will provide various types of assistance to farmers..." he said.
Recalling the state's agricultural journey, Chouhan said, "There was a time when road development was neglected, but today, under the leadership of PM Modi, development is visible in every sector."
He added that Bihar contributes significantly to India's food supply and highlighted recent decisions with the Prime Minister to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for several crops.
"Bihar produces the most makhana in the world, and its agriculture is expanding continuously. Makhana has reached every city across the country and even worldwide," Chouhan said, underlining Bihar's global prominence in makhana cultivation.
He also stressed that adopting modern agricultural methods will benefit farmers and strengthen Bihar's position as a leading producer of makhana.
Chouhan exuded confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will again form the government in Bihar.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the central government, and under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the state government has unleashed such a Ganga of development, which is an example for the entire world...We need to increase the production of Makhana and reduce its production cost...I say with full confidence that this time, the NDA government will be formed again in Bihar with a record-breaking majority...," Chouhan told reporters.
Earlier, the Union Minister tweeted on X, "Dear sisters and brothers of Bihar, nephews and nieces. Today, I am coming to the Makhana Festival in Patna. Makhana is Bihar's pride".
Additionally, on September 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Makhana Board in the state of Bihar.
The Board will promote production and new technology development, strengthen post-harvest management, promote value addition and processing, and facilitate market, export, and brand development for Makhana, thereby benefiting the Makhana farmers of Bihar and the country.