The central government has approved the Makhana Development Action Plan for Uttar Pradesh, aimed at increasing the production of makhana (fox nut) and boosting farmers’ income. Minister of State for Horticulture (Independent Charge) Dinesh Pratap Singh said on Monday that the plan includes activities such as the selection of suitable ponds, training programmes for farmers, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for makhana.
Speaking at a press conference at his official residence, the minister said the scheme, rolled out in 10 states following the creation of the National Makhana Board, will receive Rs 1.58 crore from the Union government for implementation during the remainder of the 2025-26 financial year.
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The project will support makhana cultivation through initiatives including pond construction, farmer training, frontline demonstrations, buyer-seller meets, promotional pavilions, exporter participation in international exhibitions, and district- and state-level seminars.
Singh noted that although makhana has traditionally been cultivated mainly in Bihar, regions that support singhara (water chestnut) cultivation are also suitable for makhana. Districts in Purvanchal, Kushinagar, Siddharthnagar, Ghazipur, Ballia, Maharajganj, Varanasi, and Basti have been identified as ideal for expansion. Extensive work is expected to begin in the next financial year.
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Commenting on potato storage, the minister said that 99.35 per cent of the potato stock has been cleared from cold storage, slightly higher than last year’s clearance rate of 99.31 per cent. He expressed confidence that 100 per cent clearance would be achieved by December 15, dismissing the opposition's concerns as attempts to create confusion. The department, he added, will soon release district-wise clearance data.