Budget 2026: ₹90 Crore Allocated for Makhana Development Scheme

• Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated ₹90 crore for the Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana in Budget 2026.
• The Union Government had previously approved a ₹476.03 crore scheme for Makhana development for 2025-26 to 2030-31.
• The scheme focuses on research, quality seed production, farmer capacity building, improved harvesting, value addition, branding, marketing, and export promotion.
• The National Makhana Board was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 15, 2025, fulfilling a Budget 2025-26 announcement.
• Makhana, primarily from Bihar, has gained popularity as a healthy snack due to its nutritional benefits and received a GI tag as 'Mithila Makhana' in April 2022.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 allocates ₹90 crore to boost Makhana development, supporting its growing market and health benefits.