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FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces ‘Makhana Board’
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of a “Makhana Board" in Bihar while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday morning.
Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath vouching for Makhana’s potential
Incidentally, Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath had been batting for Makhana’s potential to take India to a global platform. Using an infographic, he even recently depicted its Rs 6,000 crore future on social media platform X.
Kamath wrote on X, “Maybe room here to build a really large brand, an Indian brand that sells to the world. Personally, I’m hooked on Makhana."
Maybe room here to build a really large brand, an Indian brand that sells to the world.
— Nikhil Kamath (@nikhilkamathcio) January 17, 2025
Personally, I'm hooked on Makhana. pic.twitter.com/eu5yK804Ny
The Prime Minister recently urged the nation to combat obesity and build an obesity-free India. Narendra Modi’s call has gained widespread support from doctors, athletes and fitness promoters.
At the inauguration of the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday, PM Modi addressed the growing obesity problem in the country, stressing its link to the recent rise of diseases like diabetes and cardiac issues.
In his speech, Modi shared the significance of the Fit India Movement, encouraging a balanced diet, exercise and reducing unhealthy fats and oils meals. He also proposed a practical step of reducing daily oil consumption by at least 10 per cent.
What is makhana?
The popular Indian snack Makhana is actually roasted lotus seeds harvested from the Euryale Fox plant. The crunchy Makhana can be a nutritious alternative to traditional snacks as it is rich in protein, fibre, and essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Makhana is said to improve heart health, control diabetes and is easily digested. It can aid in weight loss because of its low-calorie content.