Makhana Vikas Yojana: The state’s Agriculture Department is running the “Makhana Vikas Yojana” for farmers in Bihar. Its objective is to promote makhana cultivation and production in the state. Through this scheme, farmers will be trained in modern technology and receive up to 75% subsidy on traditional equipment.

Objective of the scheme

Bihar is the largest center of makhana production in the country, but until now, most farmers have relied on traditional methods. The Makhana Development Scheme aims to increase production and income by providing modern training and financial assistance to these farmers. The scheme is currently being implemented in 10 districts of Bihar: Katihar, Purnia, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria. These districts have been selected by the government under Schedules 1, 2, and 3.

What will the farmers get as a benefit?

Farmers will be given special training on modern cultivation and processing methods of Makhana, so that they can increase both production and quality. Farmers will receive up to 75% subsidy (maximum Rs 16,575) on traditional tools used in makhana cultivation. These include tools like auka, ganj, kara, khienchi, sieve, mat, afra, and thappi.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a farmer.
The farmer should belong to any one of these 10 selected districts.
The farmer must have a minimum of 0.25 acres (0.1 hectares) and a maximum of 10 acres (4 hectares) of agricultural land.
The applicant must be registered on the DBT portal.

How to Apply?

  • Firstly register on the DBT portal,For this, go to the registration page of DBT portal.
  • Select the method of Aadhaar verification (OTP/Bio-auth/IRIS).
  • Authenticate by entering Aadhaar number and name.
  • Enter OTP and click on Validate OTP.
  • Fill in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) details and click on Farmer Registration.
  • Fill farmer details, land details and bank details, then submit.
  • After OTP verification, Registration ID (13 digits) will be generated.
  • After 48 hours, farmers can apply for the scheme with this ID.