Bihar government has launched Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026-27 for farmers in the state. It is a state scheme run by the Directorate of Horticulture under the 4th Agriculture Road Map to expand makhana (foxnut) farming and raise farmer income through direct subsidy support.
The scheme gives a flat 75% subsidy on all its components. For the financial year 2026-27 the outlay is Rs.577.525 lakh, with a total sanctioned budget of Rs.1,470.625 lakh spread over two years. It covers 10 districts and targets 1,200 hectares of new area expansion, 1,000 hectares of seed distribution and free training for 2,000 farmers.
Makhana Vikas Yojana - Introduction
Makhana Vikas Yojana encourages the growth of makhana in Bihar by equipping local farmers with the right knowledge and financial tools. Launched by the Department of Agriculture in Bihar, this scheme aims to increase productivity across 10 specific districts.
The scheme focuses on teaching modern farming techniques and providing subsidies for traditional gear used during the harvest and processing of makhana. It is currently available in Katihar, Purnia, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria.
For 2026-27 the scheme works through six components: seed production of improved varieties, seed distribution, area expansion, equipment kits, farmer training, and publicity and brand promotion. Improved varieties like Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 are supplied through NRCM Darbhanga and BPS Agricultural College, Purnea.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Bihar |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Subsidy Rate | 75% on all components |
| Max Subsidy (Area Expansion) | Rs.72,750 per hectare |
| Seed Subsidy | Rs.4,050 per hectare |
| Equipment Kit Subsidy | Rs.16,575 per kit |
| Land Eligibility | 0.25 acre to 10 acres |
| Women Reservation | Minimum 30% |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Department, Bihar |
Benefits
Farmers can benefit from several pillars of support under this scheme. All amounts are paid directly to the bank account through the DBT system linked to Aadhaar.
- Area Expansion: First-time field system (Khet System) farmers get a 75% grant of up to Rs.72,750 per hectare on an input package worth Rs.97,000 per hectare.
- Seed Support: Improved certified seeds of Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 are given at 75% subsidy, with a grant of Rs.4,050 per hectare on a seed cost of Rs.5,400.
- Equipment Kits: A kit of 8 traditional tools (Auka, Gaanj, Kara, Khainchi, Chalni, Chatai, Afra, Thaapi) is provided at Rs.22,100 per kit with a 75% subsidy, so the farmer pays only Rs.5,525.
- Training: Free training for 2,000 farmers at Rs.1,000 per module under National Horticulture Mission guidelines on modern production and post-harvest methods.
Payments for area expansion and seed production are released in two instalments. The first instalment of Rs.4,050 per hectare is for seed procurement, and the second instalment of Rs.68,700 per hectare is released after the farmer uploads a geo-tagged photograph of the makhana field and the Block Horticulture Officer verifies it.
Eligibility
To qualify for support, a farmer should meet the following criteria:
- Must be a resident farmer of Bihar registered on the DBT Agriculture portal.
- Must belong to one of the 10 notified districts: Katihar, Purnia, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, or Khagaria.
- Must own agricultural land between 0.25 acre and 10 acres per farmer family.
- For the area expansion component, the farmer must be cultivating makhana through the field system for the first time.
Important points to remember:
- At least 30% of the beneficiaries will be women.
- Tenant (Raiyat) farmers share land possession documents, while non-tenant (Gair-Raiyat) farmers share a valid lease agreement (Ekrarnama). Land documents are not required for the equipment kit component.
- Selections occur on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early helps.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the scheme online:
STEP 1 - Register on the DBT Agriculture portal at DBT portal registration page if not already done. The DBT registration number is required for all scheme applications.
STEP 2 - Visit the official horticulture portal at horticulture.bihar.gov.in and open the Makhana section or the online application page for Makhana Vikas Yojana 2026-27.
STEP 3 - Click on Apply Online and select the component you want, such as seed production, seed distribution, area expansion, or equipment kit.
STEP 4 - Fill in the online form with your DBT registration number, personal details, land details (khasra number and area in hectares), bank account information, and select your block and panchayat.
STEP 5 - Upload scanned copies of your land possession certificate or revenue receipt (Raiyat farmers) or Ekrarnama (Gair-Raiyat farmers), along with your Aadhaar card.
STEP 6 - Submit the form and save the acknowledgement number for future tracking. The Block Horticulture Officer verifies the application within 7 days and a work order is issued after that.
STEP 7 - Once the crop is established, upload a geo-tagged photograph of the field through the portal. This is required for the second, larger instalment. Complete Aadhaar biometric authentication at the time of final payment so the grant is credited directly to your bank account.
Documents
Prepare the following documents to ensure a smooth application:
- For DBT registration: Aadhaar card linked to your mobile, passport-size photo, land information, and bank account details.
- For the scheme application: A recent passport-size photo, a signed contract form (if you are a non-ryot farmer), and your land ownership or revenue receipt.
Note: If your name is not clear on the land receipt, please attach a genealogy document.
References
Find out more details via these official links:
FAQ's
What is the purpose of Makhana Vikas Yojana?
This scheme promotes makhana farming, improves productivity, and provides financial support for equipment, seeds, and training.
Which districts are eligible?
Eligible farmers from Katihar, Purnia, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria can participate.
What is the required land size for eligibility?
You should own between 0.25 acre and 10 acres of land per farmer family.
Can non-ryot farmers apply?
Yes, if you are a non-ryot farmer, you can apply by submitting a formal agreement form found online. Land documents are not required for the equipment kit component.
How much financial aid is provided for tools?
You can receive a grant covering 75% of the equipment cost, limited to Rs.16,575 per kit.
How much subsidy is given for area expansion?
First-time field system farmers get a 75% grant of up to Rs.72,750 per hectare.
How do I receive the money?
All funds are deposited directly into your bank account through the DBT system.
Is there any quota for women?
Yes, women form at least 30% of the beneficiary target.
Are my tools covered by the grant?
Yes, standard tools like the Kara, Khainchi, Chalni, and others required for the process are covered.