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REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
The Gazette of India
CG-DL-E-14092025-266146
EXTRAORDINARY
PART I-Section 1
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
NEW DELHI, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025/BHADRA 23, 1947
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare)
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 14th September, 2025
F. No. 28/02/2025-Hort.Tech-I.—India is the leading producer, consumer and exporter of Makhana in the
world. Makhana is considered a superfood because it contains a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, essential proteins,
dietary fiber, and minerals. Makhana contains a good amount of antioxidants. Makhana has high magnesium &
potassium and low sodium content. It has a low glycemic index. Makhana has now gained attention and recognition as
a highly nutritious superfood in both domestic and international markets with increased consumption. Makhana is
primarily grown in the eastern and central part of India, with Bihar contributing the major share of production.
In order to harness the untapped potential of makhana and its products, the Government of India hereby constitutes,
the "National Makhana Board” in Bihar with the primary objective to improve production, processing, value addition,
marketing and export promotion of makhana.
1. Constitution:-
A. The National Makhana Board shall consist of -
i. Chairperson;
ii. Five members to represent respectively the Ministries/Departments of the Central Government dealing with
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development, Commerce and Industry, Food Processing Industries and
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises;
iii. Agriculture Production Commissioner/Principal Secretary Agriculture, Bihar and two officials from other
makhana growing states on rotation basis;
iv. Three members to represent makhana growers (to be nominated by Central Government);
V. Two members to represent Makhana Processors/Exporters (to be nominated by Central Government);
vi. Director, ICAR-National Research Center for Makhana, Darbhanga (Bihar);
vii. Director, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) or his Nominee;
viii. Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology (CIPHET) Ludhiana (Punjab);
ix. Chairman, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) or his Nominee;
X. Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Agriculture University (BAU), Sabour, Bhagalpur or nominee; and
xi. Secretary of National Makhana Board;
B. The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Central Government.
C. The term of office of the Chairperson and Members of the Board other than official members shall be a maximum
of three years from the date of appointment.
D. Secretary shall be an officer appointed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare shall
provide secretarial assistance to the National Makhana Board.
E. The National Makhana Board shall have at least two meetings in a financial year.
F. All meetings of the National Makhana Board shall be chaired by the Chairperson and in his absence, the meetings
shall be chaired by the senior most official from the Central Government.
2. Objectives-The National Makhana Board shall have the following objectives, namely-
i. Promote production and new technology development in makhana;
ii. Strengthen post-harvest management in makhana;
iii. Promote value addition and processing in makhana;
iv. Facilitate market, export and brand development in makhana;
V. Research and Development: Focus on promoting scientific advancement and modern technological solutions to
enhance the productivity, quality, value addition and sustainability of Makhana industry etc.;
vi. Capacity Building: Provide training to farmers, FPOs and other stake holders on technology upgradation, and
entrepreneurship development;
vii. National & international Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration between government agencies, research
institutions, private sector, international organizations and countries to promote the holistic development of
makhana industry;
viii. Board will work for convergence with other government schemes for benefitting to farmers; and
ix. Any other objectives as may be determined by the Central Government for promotion and development of makhana
sector.
3. Finance
i. The National Makhana Board may, for furthering its objectives, prepare an annual plan along with budget for
approval by the Central Government.
ii. The Central Government may provide grant as may be considered necessary for furthering its objectives.
iii. Travelling / daily allowance to the members of the National Makhana Board, other than official members shall be
regulated as per Department of Expenditure, circulars in vogue.
4. Control and supervision- The National Makhana Board shall function under the overall authority, supervision
and control of the Central Government.
PRABHAT KUMAR, Horticulture Commissioner
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