Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 – 75% Subsidy for Bihar Farmers, Apply Now

Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 is Bihar government’s flagship scheme offering 75% subsidy up to Rs.72,750 per hectare for makhana (foxnut) cultivation, seed distribution, equipment kits, and farmer training across 10 selected districts. Under the 4th Agriculture Road Map with a total sanctioned budget of Rs.1,470.625 lakh, the scheme targets 1,200 hectares of new area expansion, 1,000 hectares of seed distribution, and training of 2,000 farmers in FY 2026-27. This guide is for Bihar farmers — both tenant (Raiyat) and non-tenant (Gair-Raiyat) — who want to claim government subsidy for makhana farming through the official horticulture portal.

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This complete guide covers: what the scheme offers, who is eligible, how much subsidy you get, how to apply online, which documents you need, and what Bihar’s Rs.577.525 lakh investment means for your income as a makhana farmer in 2026.

📋 Table of Contents

What Is Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026?

Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 is a state government scheme launched by the Directorate of Horticulture, Bihar, under the 4th Agriculture Road Map to expand makhana (foxnut) cultivation, modernise traditional farming methods, and boost farmers’ income through direct subsidy support. The scheme is implemented in 10 selected districts of Bihar for FY 2026-27 with a sanctioned outlay of Rs.577.525 lakh, targeting 1,200 hectares of area expansion, 100 hectares of seed production, and 2,000 farmers for training.

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Bihar produces over 80–90% of India’s total makhana output and fulfils approximately 80% of global demand, with cultivation concentrated in the Mithilanchal and Kosi belt. According to PIB (Ministry of Agriculture, December 2025), makhana cultivation in Bihar covers nearly 15,000 hectares, producing about 10,000 tonnes of popped makhana annually. The Makhana Vikas Yojana directly supports these farmers with structured subsidies aligned with the Central Government’s Rs.476.03 crore National Makhana Board scheme (2025-26 to 2030-31).

Mithila Makhana received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in August 2022, giving it premium branding internationally — GI-tagged makhana fetches 10–15% higher prices in US and EU markets. As per APEDA’s Makhana Dashboard (December 2025), domestic makhana prices have risen from Rs.500/kg in 2020 to Rs.1,250/kg in 2025 — a 2.5x increase — making this the most lucrative moment to enter makhana farming with government subsidy support.

Who Should Apply for Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026?

• 🌾 First-time makhana farmers in the 10 covered districts who want to start field system (Khet System) cultivation with 75% government subsidy on all input costs
• 🌱 Existing makhana farmers using traditional varieties who want improved high-yielding seeds (Swarna Vaidehi or Sabour Makhana-1) replacing old low-productivity varieties
• 🧰 Traditional Makhana processors (both Raiyat and Gair-Raiyat farmers) who need subsidised equipment kits including Auka, Chalni, Afra, Thaapi and other traditional tools
• 🌿 Registered DBT farmers with land between 0.25 acre and 10 acres who are residents of Bihar’s notified districts and registered on dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in
• 👩‍🌾 Women farmers and SHG members — the scheme mandates minimum 30% women beneficiary representation, making this especially accessible for women in makhana-growing villages
• 🎓 Farmers seeking certified seed production income — selected seed growers can earn through seed production under Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 varieties with Rs.72,750/hectare grant
• 📚 Farmers wanting free skill training — 2,000 farmers will receive free training at Rs.1,000 per module under NHM guidelines on advanced makhana cultivation and post-harvest techniques
• 🏘️ Non-tenant farmers (Gair-Raiyat) — land ownership documents are NOT mandatory for equipment kit component; even lease-based farmers can benefit

Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 Subsidy Details and Financial Benefits

The scheme provides a flat 75% subsidy across all its components, covering seed production, seed distribution, area expansion, equipment kits, and farmer training. Here is the complete component-wise subsidy breakdown for FY 2026-27:

Disbursement for Area Expansion & Seed Production is in 2 instalments:

• 1st Instalment: Rs.4,050 per hectare — released for seed procurement (January–February 2026-27)
• 2nd Instalment: Rs.68,700 per hectare — released after geo-tagged photograph of makhana-covered field is uploaded by farmer (April–May 2026-27)

The 2nd instalment — the larger Rs.68,700 payment — is unlocked only after the Block Horticulture Officer (BHO) physically verifies the field and scientists from NRCM Darbhanga, BPS Agricultural College Purnea, or the district KVK recommend payment. All subsidy amounts are disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) linked to Aadhaar — no middlemen, no cash handling.

Eligibility Criteria and Land Requirements

To qualify for Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026, a farmer must meet all of the following eligibility conditions:

• ✅ Must be a resident farmer of Bihar registered on the DBT Agriculture portal (dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in)
• ✅ Must belong to one of the 10 notified districts: Katihar, Purnea, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, or Khagaria
• ✅ Land holding must be between 0.25 acre (0.1 hectare) minimum and 10 acres (4 hectares) maximum per farmer family
• ✅ A “farmer family” is defined as husband, wife, and minor children — only ONE application per family unit
• ✅ For Area Expansion component — farmer must be cultivating makhana through field system (Khet System) for the first time
• ✅ Biometric authentication linked with Aadhaar is mandatory at the time of subsidy disbursement
• ✅ Must be able to upload geo-tagged photographs for field verification (smartphone required or assistance from BHO)

Document Requirements by Farmer Category:

How to Apply Online for Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 — Step-by-Step

1. Register on DBT Agriculture Portal — Visit dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in and complete your farmer registration with Aadhaar-linked bank account if not already done. Your DBT registration number is mandatory for all scheme applications.
2. Visit the Official Horticulture Portal — Go to horticulture.bihar.gov.in and navigate to the Makhana section or the online application portal for Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026-27.
3. Click ‘Apply Online’ for Makhana Vikas Yojana — Select the specific component you wish to apply for: Seed Production, Seed Distribution, Area Expansion, or Equipment Kit.
4. Fill the Online Application Form — Enter your DBT registration number, personal details, land details (khasra number, area in hectares), bank account information, and select your block and panchayat.
5. Upload Required Documents — Upload scanned copies of your LPC / land revenue receipt (Raiyat farmers) or Ekrarnama (Gair-Raiyat farmers), and your Aadhaar card.
6. Submit and Get Acknowledgement Number — After submission, save your acknowledgement number for future reference and status tracking.
7. Block-Level Verification (Within 7 Days) — The Block Horticulture Officer (BHO) must verify your application within 7 days. If not done within the timeline, the officer is held accountable.
8. Receive Work Order — After verification, a Work Order will be issued within 7 days, detailing execution timelines and the subsidy payment schedule for your plot.
9. Upload Geo-Tagged Photograph — Once crop coverage is established, upload a geo-tagged field photograph via the portal. This is mandatory for the 2nd (larger) instalment release.
10. Aadhaar Biometric Authentication — Complete Aadhaar biometric verification at the time of final subsidy disbursement for the grant to be credited directly to your bank account via DBT.

6 Components of Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 Explained

The Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026-27 operates through six distinct components, each targeting a different aspect of the makhana value chain:

A. Seed Production of Improved Makhana Varieties

Selected farmers cultivating makhana through the field system receive all necessary inputs for seed production of two improved varieties — Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 — developed by NRCM Darbhanga and BPS Agricultural College, Purnea. The 75% grant of Rs.72,750 per hectare is disbursed in two instalments. Seeds produced under this component feed the next year’s seed distribution programme. Physical target: 100 hectares, financial outlay: Rs.72.75 lakh.

B. Seed Distribution Programme

Farmers currently using traditional or local makhana varieties receive improved certified seeds at 75% subsidy. Seed cost fixed at Rs.5,400 per hectare — subsidy of Rs.4,050 per hectare reduces farmer’s out-of-pocket cost to just Rs.1,350. Seeds sourced from NRCM Darbhanga and BPS Agricultural College. Physical target: 1,000 hectares, financial outlay: Rs.40.50 lakh.

C. Area Expansion (Field System / Khet System)

This is the largest component — covering first-time makhana field cultivators with a comprehensive input package at Rs.97,000 per hectare (seeds + input costs + harvesting costs). The 75% grant of Rs.72,750 per hectare is the maximum financial benefit under this yojana. The BHO must verify the farmer has NOT previously cultivated makhana under field system before approving. Physical target: 1,200 hectares, financial outlay: Rs.873.00 lakh.

D. Equipment Kit Distribution (Traditional Makhana Tools)

A subsidised kit of 8 traditional makhana farming and processing tools is provided at Rs.22,100 per kit with 75% subsidy (farmer pays only Rs.5,525). The kit includes 3 Aukas (bamboo extraction containers), 1 Gaanj (seed collector), 2 Kaaras (divider poles), 2 Khainchi (polishing tools), 18-piece Chalni/sieve set (16 mesh sizes for grading), 3 Chatai mats (for sun-drying), 1 Afra (wooden base for popping), and 1 Thaapi (wooden mallet). Notably, land ownership documents are NOT required for non-tenant farmers under this component.

E. Farmer Training Programme

Free training for 2,000 makhana farmers at Rs.1,000 per trainee per module (as per National Horticulture Mission guidelines). Training covers advanced production techniques, improved variety management, post-harvest handling, and processing methods. Conducted by Assistant Director (Horticulture) in collaboration with NRCM Darbhanga and BPS Agricultural College, Purnea. Financial outlay: Rs.20.00 lakh.

F. Publicity and Brand Promotion

The Directorate of Horticulture will promote Bihar’s makhana across state and national platforms as a signature specialty product — leveraging the Mithila Makhana GI tag and linking with the National Makhana Board’s branding and export promotion activities. Financial outlay: Rs.50.00 lakh.

Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 vs National Makhana Board Central Scheme

Two major government schemes now support makhana farmers simultaneously. Here is a clear comparison to help you understand which benefits apply to you and how to maximise both:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026

Advantages (Pros)

• ✅ High subsidy rate of 75% reduces farmer’s investment to just Rs.24,250 per hectare for full area expansion (government pays Rs.72,750)
• ✅ No land document requirement for equipment kits — non-tenant (Gair-Raiyat) farmers can benefit without proving land ownership, making it inclusive
• ✅ DBT payment directly to bank account — no intermediary, no cash handling, instant Aadhaar-linked transfer reduces corruption risk
• ✅ Free training for 2,000 farmers — access to NRCM Darbhanga scientific knowledge at zero cost helps improve productivity and quality
• ✅ Improved seed varieties (Swarna Vaidehi, Sabour Makhana-1) replace low-yield traditional varieties — higher output per hectare means more income even at same market price
• ✅ 30% women reservation ensures gender-inclusive implementation — women farmers in SHGs can apply and receive equal subsidy benefits

Disadvantages (Cons)

• ❌ Only 10 districts covered — Bihar has 38 districts; makhana farmers in Sitamarhi, West Champaran, Saran, and other districts are excluded from this scheme cycle
• ❌ First Come First Served system creates a disadvantage for remote farmers with limited internet access — those near block offices or CSC centres benefit first
• ❌ Area Expansion subsidy only for first-time field system cultivators — existing farmers who already shifted to Khet System in previous years cannot claim this component again
• ❌ Geo-tagged photograph requirement for 2nd instalment demands smartphone access or dependence on BHO — this can delay payment in areas with poor connectivity

Important Terms Related to Makhana Farming Subsidy 2026

Understanding these key terms will help you read scheme notifications, verify your eligibility, and navigate the application process confidently:

• Makhana (Euryale ferox / Foxnut): An aquatic crop grown in shallow water bodies and paddy fields (field system), native to Bihar’s Mithilanchal belt. India produces 80–90% of global supply; market value reached Rs.1,250/kg in 2025.
• Khet System (Field System): Modern makhana cultivation in paddy fields (not ponds), enabling higher density planting and mechanised harvesting — the primary focus of the Area Expansion component under this yojana.
• Swarna Vaidehi: High-yielding improved makhana variety developed by NRCM Darbhanga — one of the two certified seed varieties distributed under this scheme with significantly higher per-hectare yield than traditional varieties.
• Sabour Makhana-1: Second improved certified variety recommended by BPS Agricultural College, Purnea — known for better disease resistance and early maturity, particularly suited to the Seemanchal agro-climatic zone.
• DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): Bihar government’s subsidy payment method — all grant amounts are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account; eliminates middlemen and ensures 100% subsidy reaches the farmer.
• Raiyat (Tenant Farmer): A farmer who owns land and holds a land possession certificate (LPC); must submit LPC or revenue receipt for scheme eligibility verification.
• Gair-Raiyat (Non-Tenant Farmer): A farmer who cultivates land on lease/contract and holds an Ekrarnama; eligible for all scheme components, and land documents are NOT required for the equipment kit component.
• Geo-Tagging: Mandatory process of uploading a photograph of the makhana field with embedded GPS coordinates — required for 2nd instalment release under seed production and area expansion components.
• NRCM Darbhanga (National Research Centre for Makhana): India’s premier makhana research institution located in Darbhanga, Bihar — the authoritative body for recommending seed varieties, validating crop coverage, and training trainers.
• FCFS (First Come, First Served): Beneficiary selection method used in this yojana — online applications are processed in order of submission until district-wise targets are exhausted. Early application is critical.

Important Links — Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026

Conclusion

Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 offers Bihar’s makhana farmers a rare combination of high subsidy (75%), improved seed access, free training, and equipment support — all under one scheme with transparent DBT payment. With domestic makhana prices at Rs.1,250/kg and India’s export volume growing nearly 4x since 2020, the timing could not be better to scale up makhana cultivation with government financial backing.

If you are a farmer in any of the 10 covered districts — Katihar, Purnea, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, or Khagaria — register on dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in immediately and apply at horticulture.bihar.gov.in as soon as the application window opens. Selection is First Come, First Served — do not wait. Bookmark this page for updates; we will add the exact application opening date as soon as the official notification is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions About Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026

What is Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026?

Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 is a Bihar state government scheme implemented by the Directorate of Horticulture under the 4th Agriculture Road Map. It provides 75% direct subsidy to makhana (foxnut) farmers in 10 selected districts for area expansion, improved seed distribution, traditional equipment kits, and farmer training, with a total outlay of Rs.577.525 lakh for FY 2026-27. The scheme aims to expand makhana cultivation area by 1,200 hectares and modernise farming practices through improved varieties like Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1.

How much subsidy does Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 provide?

The scheme provides a flat 75% subsidy across all components. For area expansion (field system), this equals Rs.72,750 per hectare against a unit cost of Rs.97,000. For improved seed distribution, subsidy is Rs.4,050 per hectare. For traditional equipment kits (Auka, Chalni, Afra, etc.), subsidy is Rs.16,575 per kit against a unit cost of Rs.22,100. Farmer training is 100% government-funded at Rs.1,000 per trainee per module.

Which districts are covered under Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026?

The scheme covers 10 selected districts of Bihar in FY 2026-27: Katihar, Purnea, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria. These districts are the primary makhana cultivation belts in Bihar’s Mithilanchal and Kosi zones. Farmers from other districts of Bihar are not eligible in this scheme cycle.

Who is eligible for Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026?

Both tenant (Raiyat) and non-tenant (Gair-Raiyat) farmers of Bihar who are registered on the DBT Agriculture portal (dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in) and reside in the 10 covered districts are eligible. Land holding must be between 0.25 acre (0.1 hectare) and 10 acres (4 hectares) per farmer family. For the area expansion component, the farmer must be cultivating makhana through the field system for the first time. At least 30% of beneficiaries must be women farmers.

How to apply online for Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026?

To apply, first register on the DBT Agriculture portal (dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in) with your Aadhaar-linked bank account. Then visit horticulture.bihar.gov.in, navigate to the Makhana section, click the Apply button for Makhana Vikas Yojana, fill in your land details, upload required documents (LPC for Raiyat or Ekrarnama for Gair-Raiyat), and submit. Applications are accepted on First Come, First Served basis. The Block Horticulture Officer (BHO) will verify your application within 7 days and issue a Work Order if approved.

What documents are required for Makhana Vikas Yojana?

Tenant farmers (Raiyat) need a Land Possession Certificate (LPC), recent land revenue receipt (up to 2 years old), or a legally valid land ownership certificate. Non-tenant farmers (Gair-Raiyat) need a valid lease agreement (Ekrarnama). For the equipment kit component, non-tenant farmers do NOT need land documents. All applicants need their DBT registration number, Aadhaar card for biometric authentication, and an active bank account linked to Aadhaar for DBT subsidy receipt.

What is the difference between Makhana Vikas Yojana and the National Makhana Board scheme?

Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026 is a Bihar state scheme (Rs.577.525 lakh for FY 2026-27) focused on individual farmers in 10 districts — covering seed, cultivation inputs, equipment, and training. The National Makhana Board is a central government initiative (Rs.476.03 crore over 6 years, 2025-31) focused on research, processing, value addition, export promotion, and building a global brand for Indian makhana. Both schemes can complement each other — state scheme covers farm-level inputs while the central scheme covers the downstream value chain.

How is the subsidy paid under Makhana Vikas Yojana?

Subsidy is paid in two instalments via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account. The 1st instalment of Rs.4,050 per hectare is released for seed procurement (January–February). The larger 2nd instalment of Rs.68,700 per hectare is released after the farmer uploads a geo-tagged photograph of the makhana-covered field and the Assistant Director (Horticulture) verifies the crop coverage based on recommendations from NRCM Darbhanga or the district KVK scientists.

Can women farmers apply for Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026?

Yes, women farmers are explicitly encouraged to apply. The scheme mandates a minimum 30% representation of women farmers across all social categories. Women farmers in SHGs and individually can apply through the same online portal with the same eligibility conditions. The 30% reservation is enforced by the district-level Assistant Director (Horticulture) during beneficiary selection and is monitored by the Directorate.

What are the Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 varieties?

Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 are improved, high-yielding certified makhana seed varieties developed by scientific institutions — NRCM Darbhanga and BPS Agricultural College, Purnea respectively. These varieties produce significantly higher yield per hectare and better-quality pops compared to traditional local varieties. Replacing traditional seeds with these certified varieties is the core productivity-boosting objective of the seed distribution and seed production components of Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026.

What is the makhana market price in 2026 and is farming profitable?

Makhana market prices have risen from Rs.500 per kg in 2020–22 to Rs.1,250 per kg in 2025, driven by rising domestic health food demand and growing export volume. India’s makhana exports grew nearly 4x from 6,700 MT in 2020 to 25,130 MT in 2024 (39% CAGR), according to APEDA data. With the government bearing 75% of cultivation costs through this yojana, the effective investment per hectare for the farmer drops to just Rs.24,250 for area expansion — making makhana farming under this scheme highly profitable given current market prices, especially with access to improved varieties.

Last Updated: July 2026 | Source: Bihar Directorate of Horticulture Departmental Sanction Order No.11, dated 13.03.2026-27 | PIB National Makhana Board Press Release, December 2025 | APEDA Makhana Dashboard, December 2025

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only based on the official government sanction order and publicly available data. Subsidy amounts, targets, application dates, and eligibility conditions are subject to revision by the Bihar Directorate of Horticulture. Always verify current details at horticulture.bihar.gov.in before applying. This is not financial or legal advice.

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