Patna, Oct 4 (IANS) Makhana is an “extraordinary blessing” for the poor in Bihar, and the state has emerged as the world’s leading centre for makhana production, covering 35,000–40,000 hectares of cultivation area, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Saturday.

The minister said that earlier, Makhana was produced in nearly 3,000 hectares.

Participating in ‘Makhana Mahotsav 2025’ held at Gandhi Maidan here, Chouhan announced that the Central Government has notified the establishment of a Makhana Board to promote research, development, marketing, branding, and promotion of makhana.

He added that nearly Rs 475 crore has been sanctioned for modern machinery, new variety development, and processing facilities to boost makhana production and value addition.

Appealing to B

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