Patna, Feb. 23 -- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday met Makhana (fox nut) farmers in Bihar's Darbhanga while stepping into the 'muddy' pond and held a discussion with them to understand the process of its cultivation.

He was also apprised of the difficulties faced by farmers in the cultivation of fox nut crops since the cultivators are expected to stay in the pond all day.

The central government has announced the formation of the Makhana board in this year's budget. As this happened, Chouhan sought suggestions from the farmers to ease their burden.

Earlier today, the Union Minister mentioned that he would discuss the establishment of the Makhana Board, which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the ...