Initial exploration of Makhana Germplasm was undertaken during the crop season in Madhubani and Darbhanga districts with active support from National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources, New Delhi. Forty-six accessions have been collected and deposited in the Gene bank.

A Scientist - Entrepreneur interface has been developed in association with Bihar Industries Association, which resulted in establishment of first fully automatic Makhana Processing Plant at Patna with capacity of 50,000 packets per day of 20 gm each.

Makhana Centre has initiated steps for expansion of Makhana area through energizing of ideal ponds, yield maximization, saving output loss, reform in pond lease markets, empowerment of Makhana growers, institutional and promotional support, infrastructural development, trade reforms and development, value addition, rapid connectivity, export enhancement, risk hedging and contract farming.

For value addition and processing of Makhana, two automatic industrial units one in public sector ( COMFED, Bihar Patna) and one in private sector ( Shakti Sudha industry, Patna) has been set up with technical support from the Centre and the production has already started. A variety of ready to eat products of Makhana are available for the first time at the shelves in important markets, resulting in increased demand of the raw product.

Constraints of makhana cultivation and thrust areas for extensive promotion of makhana towards livelihood improvement of farmers through integrated farming system have been studied and field experimentation initiated at farmers’ field.

The study on understanding Makhana production system was initiated and stakeholders were identified. Survey schedule were prepared and pre tested to study the socio economic and marketing aspect of makhana production system in four districts of North Bihar namely, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia and Katihar.