Shivraj to Visit Darbhanga on February 23 to interact with Makhana cultivators

The vast expanse between river Kosi and Kamala in north Bihar, is best suited for Makhana cultivation (an aquatic crop) due to its non-calcareous soil type VAIDYANATH JHA, Ex-professor of Botany and a well-known Makhana researcher

- Bishnu K Jha

DARBHANGA: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit Darbhanga on February 23 where he will interact with makhana farmers and discuss initiatives, aimed at boosting its production and processing. This visit follows the announcement of a dedicated Makhana Board in the Union Budget 2025, aimed at supporting makhana growers in Bihar.

Addressing a press conference at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday, Chouhan highlighted the economic and nutritional significance of makhana (fox nut), which is primarily cultivated in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

"We will engage with farmers at the very sites where makhana is cultivated, near ponds, rather than in conference halls. Farmers understand their challenges best, and we want to ensure meaningful discussions on their difficulties, requirements, and ways to improve their productivity," he said.