Purnea, Sep 17 (NationPress) Farmers in Bihar have expressed their excitement over the establishment of the National Makhana Board by extending warm birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday while praying for his longevity and well-being.

On Monday, Prime Minister Modi officially inaugurated the National Makhana Board in Purnea, Bihar, marking a significant initiative that was initially proposed in the Union Budget 2025.

Makhana, known for its rich nutritional profile, is primarily cultivated in the Seemanchal and Mithilanchal regions of Bihar, with the planting phase occurring in March-April and harvesting in August-September.

Farmers and local entrepreneurs are optimistic that the board's implementation will yield substantial advantages, including guaranteed minimum support prices, enhanced income prospects, and increased global awareness for Makhana.

The government has allocated a development package amounting to Rs 475 crore for the sector, aimed at boosting production, processing, and international exports of Makhana, also referred to as fox nut.

During the launch event, the Prime Minister emphasized Makhana's significance as both a health food and a commodity with export potential. "I consume Makhana at least 300 days a year. This superfood should be introduced to global markets," he remarked previously.

The cultivation of Makhana seeds commences in March and April, typically in ponds and lakes, with rapid growth during the summer and monsoon months of June and July.

As the pods mature by August and September, workers enter the water to harvest them. The seeds undergo a labor-intensive process of roasting, cracking, and sorting by quality before being packaged for market sale. This intricate process is fundamental to the Makhana economy in Bihar.

Farmers and laborers alike are hopeful about the board's positive impact.

Chandu Rishi, a Makhana entrepreneur and farmer, shared with IANS, "With the establishment of the new Makhana Board, we stand to gain immensely. The product quality will improve, and our income will rise. We work diligently, and this new board promises us profits."

Chandu also conveyed his wishes for PM Modi's long and healthy life on his 75th birthday.

Niresh Sharma, a laborer in Makhana fields, voiced his excitement, stating, "My daily earnings are set to increase with the new board. We are grateful to PM Modi for this initiative on his birthday, and we pray for his longevity."

Farmers and entrepreneurs from the region deemed the Prime Minister's action as commendable and welcomed the initiative as a transformative step for everyone involved in the sector.

Manish Kumar, an entrepreneur linked to Makhana cultivation, expressed, "With the formation of the board, a fixed MSP will be established, benefiting both farmers and entrepreneurs while creating new opportunities for the industry. We owe our gratitude to the Prime Minister for this initiative. He has become the brand ambassador for Makhana, ensuring its global recognition."

The newly formed Makhana Board is anticipated to focus on elevating production standards, enhancing post-harvest management, integrating modern technologies, and expanding value addition throughout the industry.

Moreover, it will strengthen marketing and export connections while offering support to farmer-producer organizations. Officials indicated that this body will assist Makhana cultivators in accessing various central schemes, thereby increasing income and expanding the sector's global reach.

This initiative has already generated enthusiasm among stakeholders, who view it as a pivotal moment for Bihar's traditional crop. With government support and farmers' dedication, Makhana is set to secure a prominent position in both domestic and international markets.