ATMI II – POLICY ROUNDTABLE AND INCEPTION WORKSHOP

About the symposium

The Bihar Agricultural Science Academy (BASA), in collaboration with the Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), hosted a National Symposium on “Makhana: Unlocking India’s Aquatic Superfood for Rural Prosperity” at Lemon Tree Premier, Patna on May 20, 2025.

The event brought together government officials, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policy experts to help chart a pathway for harnessing the potential of makhana as a driver of income diversification, nutritional security, and export-oriented growth in Bihar. The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, inaugurated the event and underscored the state’s commitment to supporting innovation-led agricultural transformation.

Makhana, is a nutrient-rich aquatic crop with deep roots in Bihar, the state accounts for over 85% of India’s production. Cultivated across districts like Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, and Katihar, makhana is gaining global recognition for its health benefits and high nutritional content. India produces around 120,000 metric tonnes of makhana seeds annually, generating INR 600 crore in trade revenues. However, only about 1% is currently exported to markets such as the USA, UK, Australia, and the Gulf.

Recognizing its unique value, the Government of India granted GI status to ‘Mithila Makhana’ in 2022 and included six Bihar districts under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. The 2025 Union Budget further boosted the sector with the announcement of a dedicated Makhana Board in Bihar, aiming to scale production, processing, value addition, and market access. With India’s domestic makhana market projected to reach INR 18.9 billion by 2032, the sector holds significant promise for rural prosperity and export growth.

Despite its promising potential and growing policy attention, the makhana sector faces persistent structural and operational challenges. Cultivation and harvesting remain largely traditional and labour-intensive, leading to low productivity and high post-harvest losses. The value chain is fragmented and dominated by intermediaries, with farmers receiving only 27–30% of the final consumer price. Limited market access, weak branding, and low mechanization further constrain profitability and scalability. Additionally, the absence of a dedicated HS code and limited awareness of international trade standards hinder the sector’s export potential.

Against this backdrop, the National Symposium on Makhana seeks to chart a strategic roadmap for realizing the full economic and nutritional potential of this traditional aquatic crop. The overarching objective is to elevate makhana as a globally recognized superfood while advancing inclusive, sustainable growth for farming communities in Bihar. The symposium convened through four focused thematic sessions:

• Modern Production Practices: Showcasing innovations in cultivation, agronomic research, and climate-resilient farming technologies.

• Processing and Value Addition: Exploring advances in mechanization, post-harvest processing, nutritional profiling, and health-based product development.

• Marketing, Trade, and Branding: Addressing export promotion, the strategic use of GI tagging, market intelligence, and consumer branding to enhance competitiveness.

• Panel Discussion – Lessons for the Makhana Board: Drawing insights from established commodity boards (e.g., Tea, Coffee, Spices, Coconut) to guide the development, governance, and operational framework of the newly formed Makhana Board.