Patna (Bihar) [India], October 4 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday arrived in bihar to participate in Makhana Festival and emphasised the need to increase the production of Makhana and at the same time reduce its production cost.
Speaking to ANI, 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 said.
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".
Recently, on September 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Makhana Board in 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 in Makhana, thereby benefiting the Makhana farmers of Bihar and the country.
Bihar accounts for approximately 90% of the country's total Makhana production. Key districts like Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria serve as the primary hubs since they have favourable climatic conditions and fertile soil that contribute to the superior quality of makhana. The establishment of the Makhana Board in Bihar will give a major boost to the Makhana production in the State and the country and strengthen the presence of Bihar on the global map in this sector.