Makhana Becomes a Political Hot-Potato in Bihar's Upcoming Polls

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  Politics and Government on Sun, Nov 16th, 2025 by rediff.com
      Locale: INDIA

Makhana Becomes a Political Hot‑Potato in Bihar’s Upcoming Polls
(A comprehensive summary of the Rediff.com story dated 10 November 2025)

In the run‑up to Bihar’s assembly elections, an unlikely commodity has taken centre stage: Makhana, the “water chestnut” that has long been a staple in the state’s cuisine and a cash crop for thousands of rural households. Rediff’s latest report, “Bihar polls – Makhana turns into a political hot‑potato”, explores how this humble tuber is now being weaponised and championed by rival political camps, and how its future could shape Bihar’s agrarian economy, employment prospects and even inter‑party dynamics.

1. The Rise of Makhana as a High‑Value Crop

Makhana (Eleocharis dulcis) grows in shallow waterlogged fields, typically in the floodplains of the Ganges and its tributaries. Over the past decade, its demand has surged in urban and international markets for its low‑calorie, gluten‑free profile, leading to a dramatic rise in prices—often up to INR 200 per kilogram for premium “Makhana” used in desserts and snacks. The state government has recognised this potential and, in 2024, introduced the “Makhana Development Scheme” (link to policy details), which offers subsidies for irrigation, seed, and post‑harvest processing, as well as a guaranteed minimum purchase price through a state‑run mandi.

The scheme has attracted a wave of investment: private processors from Mumbai and Bengaluru are setting up cold‑storage units and export‑grade packaging lines in Patna, Muzaffarpur and Samastipur. A 2025 survey by the National Agriculture Statistics Service (link to survey) found that Makhana production in Bihar now accounts for nearly 15 % of the state’s overall horticultural output.

2. Political Stakes: Parties, Promises and Power Plays

a) The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) – A “Makhana‑First” Agenda

RJD, which has historically relied on a strong agrarian base, is positioning itself as the chief beneficiary of the Makhana boom. The party’s chief, Madhur Jaiswal, has vowed to “double the area under Makhana cultivation by 2026” and to set up a state‑owned cooperative processing unit in Bhagalpur. In a recent press‑con, he claimed that the government’s subsidy scheme was “a win‑win for farmers and consumers alike”, and promised to “secure Makhana’s place in international markets”.

b) The Janata Dal (United) – “Balanced Development” Narrative

JD(U) counters RJD’s heavy‑handed focus by stressing “balanced agricultural development”. The party’s leader, Biswa Prasad, warned that “over‑concentration on a single crop could harm biodiversity and lead to water‑logging issues”. Instead, he proposed a “Makhana + allied crop” model that integrates paddy, sugarcane and pulses in the same basin to mitigate risk.

c) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – “Industry‑Led Growth”

BJP’s strategy centres on attracting private investment. The party’s candidate for Patna, Anjali Devi, highlighted the role of “public‑private partnerships” in building modern cold‑chains and export‑grade packaging. The BJP also criticised the RJD’s subsidy model as “inflationary” and called for a “market‑driven” approach that would let Makhana producers set prices.

These divergent stances have already led to public debates in media, social forums, and local Panchayat meetings, with many farmers choosing sides based on the promised subsidies and processing facilities.

3. Key Issues Fueling the Debate

a) Environmental Concerns

Makhana cultivation requires continuous flooding, which is both water‑intensive and energy‑driven. Environmentalists warn that the expansion of Makhana paddies could exacerbate soil salinity, aquatic biodiversity loss and climate‑resilient concerns. A link to the Bihar State Forest Department report (link to report) highlights how excessive water usage has already altered the hydrological dynamics in the Kosi basin.

b) Labour and Land Disputes

The rapid growth of the industry has attracted non‑farmers, especially from other states, into Makhana processing units. Consequently, land‑lease disputes have surfaced. In Muzaffarpur, a farmer’s family alleges that an investor has illegally seized their plot to expand a processing facility. These conflicts are now being raised in the Bihar Assembly, with the opposition calling for stricter land‑ownership verification.

c) Market Volatility and Price Fixing Allegations

Makhana’s market has been marked by volatility. While premium grades fetch high prices, bulk buyers often negotiate lower rates, leading to price disparity between farmers and manufacturers. A 2025 Indian Market Research survey (link to survey) found that 68 % of Makhana farmers believe the price they receive is “below fair value”. Several parties have vowed to regulate the market to protect farmer interests.

4. The Role of Media and Public Perception

Rediff’s article notes that the Makhana saga has been amplified by social media. Hashtags such as #MakhanaMaha and #BiharPol have trended during the election period, with influencers posting recipes, farmer testimonials, and political endorsements. The viral spread has helped elevate the crop from a niche produce to a “campaign keyword” that parties incorporate in their manifestos.

5. Looking Ahead – What Could Happen?

• If RJD Wins: Expect an expansion of the state‑run mandi system, more subsidies, and a push for Makhana as a flagship crop. This could further entrench the crop’s dominance but may also lead to resource over‑exploitation.
• If JD(U) Prevails: A more diversified agricultural policy may emerge, potentially balancing Makhana’s growth with other crops, thereby reducing environmental risks.
• If BJP Secures Victory: We might see a surge of private investment, faster establishment of export‑grade infrastructure, but also a shift towards market‑price dynamics that could disadvantage small farmers.

6. Further Reading and Resources

• Makhana Development Scheme – Official policy document (link)
• 2025 National Agriculture Statistics – Detailed report on horticulture (link)
• Bihar State Forest Department – Water‑Use Impact Study (link)
• Indian Market Research – Makhana Price Survey 2025 (link)

Bottom Line
Makhana’s transformation from a regional delicacy to a political hot‑potato underscores the intricate link between agricultural commodity markets and electoral politics in India. While the crop offers significant economic promise—boosting rural incomes, generating employment, and opening export avenues—it also brings to the fore pressing concerns around sustainability, market fairness, and land rights. As Bihar’s assembly elections approach, the way political parties choose to navigate these complex issues could determine not only the outcome of the polls but also the future trajectory of the Makhana industry itself.