Uttar Pradesh launches Makhana Development Action Plan with Rs 1.58 crore to boost production, farmer training, and market support in Purvanchal.

The central government has sanctioned the Makhana Development Action Plan for Uttar Pradesh, designed to enhance makhana (fox nut) production and increase producers’ income. Minister of State for Horticulture (Independent Charge) Dinesh Pratap Singh stated on Monday that the initiative encompasses activities such as the identification of suitable wetlands, training programs for farmers, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for makhana.

Speaking at a press conference held at his official residence, the minister stated that the scheme, launched in 10 states subsequent to the establishment of the National Makhana Board, will be allocated Rs 1.58 crore by the Union government for execution during the remainder of the 2025-26 financial year.

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The project will promote makhana cultivation through initiatives such as pond construction, farmer training, frontline demonstrations, buyer-seller meetings, promotional pavilions, exporter participation in international exhibitions, and district- and state-level seminars.

Singh observed that although makhana has historically been cultivated primarily in Bihar, areas conducive to singhara (water chestnut) cultivation are also appropriate for makhana farming. Districts in Purvanchal, Kushinagar, Siddharthnagar, Ghazipur, Ballia, Maharajganj, Varanasi, and Basti have been designated as optimal for expansion. Significant work is anticipated to commence in the upcoming financial year.

Commenting on potato storage, the minister stated that 99.35 percent of the potato stock has been removed from cold storage, marginally exceeding last year’s discharge rate of 99.31 percent. He conveyed assurance that complete authorization would be attained by December 15, dismissing the opposition’s concerns as efforts to generate confusion. The department, he further stated, will shortly publish district-specific clearance data.