BY-O.P.Pal
Over the past few decades in the Indian agricultural sector, several traditional crops have moved beyond their local identity to establish a strong presence on the global stage. The newest and most revolutionary name in this series is 'Makhana' (Fox Nut). Once limited only to religious rituals, fasting, and traditional Indian dishes, Makhana has now established itself as a premium 'superfood' in the global health and nutrition market. Being rich in nutrients, coupled with growing global health awareness and its popularity as a processed, flavored snack, has propelled the demand for Makhana to new heights internationally. India, the world's largest producer of Makhana, currently stands on the brink of a Makhana revolution. This shift is not only strengthening the country's agri-food exports but is also bringing a qualitative improvement to the rural economy and farmers' incomes in states like Bihar.
India's Global Dominance and Bihar's Contribution
India holds a monopoly over the global Makhana market. About 80 to 85 percent of the Makhana supplied worldwide comes from India alone. Notably, Bihar accounts for nearly three-fourths (75 percent) of the country's total Makhana production. The Kosi and Mithila-Seemanchal regions located in northern and eastern Bihar have become the hub of Makhana cultivation. Specifically, districts like Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, and Purnia are the main centers of production. According to data from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India has recorded historic growth in Makhana production in recent years. For instance, during 2024–25, India's total Makhana production was 63,910 metric tonnes, with an average productivity of 2.03 metric tonnes per hectare. However, in 2025–26, this production is estimated to reach 80,590 metric tonnes, with productivity increasing to 2.34 metric tonnes per hectare. During this period, Bihar alone produced 60,000 metric tonnes of Makhana.
A major turning point in the history of the Makhana industry came when the Makhana produced in the Mithila region of Bihar was granted a Geographical Indication (GI Tag) as 'Mithila Makhana'. With this, no other region can falsely sell its product under the 'Mithila Makhana' name. The GI tag has not only helped establish the authenticity and premium image of Makhana in the international market, but it has also given global recognition to the traditional knowledge of the local Mallah and farmer communities engaged in its cultivation for generations. Additionally, the 'National Research Centre for Makhana' located in Darbhanga (Bihar) has done remarkable work in linking this traditional practice with technology by developing modern machines to reduce manual labor.
The Export Journey and New International Markets
Today, India exports about 40 percent of its total Makhana production, amounting to nearly 25,000 metric tonnes. Previously, Makhana did not have a separate HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code, making it difficult to track exact export data. However, in 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a separate HSN code for popped Makhana. In 2025-26, India exported 7,264.89 metric tonnes of Makhana products worth Rs 19,296.08 lakh. Statistics show the United States buys 40 percent, Canada 20 percent, and the United Arab Emirates 17 percent, collectively accounting for 77 percent of total exports. Although the volume is higher in the US and UAE, countries like Germany, Nepal, Australia, and the UK are paying significantly higher premium prices to India for Makhana. This has created a massive opportunity for market diversification. Understanding the strategic importance of this sector, the central and state governments have implemented historic policies to organize and modernize it.
Market Dynamics and Economics
The country's Makhana sector is not limited to production alone; its economic structure is changing rapidly. In terms of domestic demand and market size, the average monthly consumption of popped Makhana in India is 3,000 to 3,500 metric tonnes, which surges to 5,000 metric tonnes during the festive season. The share of organized FMCG and snack companies in the domestic market has grown rapidly. The introduction of flavored Makhana has multiplied its popularity among urban youth and children.
Why is Makhana the Real 'Superfood'?
In today's era of busy lifestyles and unhealthy diets, Makhana has emerged as a complete and balanced food. Scientific studies prove its nutritional profile is more balanced than many traditional nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts.
Negligible Fat: Contains a mere 0.33 grams of fat per 100 grams.
Protein and Amino Acids: Provides high-quality protein with 95 percent digestibility. Its amino acid profile is considered comparable to that of fish.
Low Glycemic Load: Completely safe and beneficial for diabetic patients due to its low glycemic load.
Micro-nutrients: Rich in magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. Its low sodium content makes it excellent for blood pressure and heart patients.
Anti-aging and Antioxidants: Natural antioxidants present in it slow down the aging process and keep the digestive system healthy.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite immense potential, some fundamental challenges remain:
Labor-Intensive Process: Harvesting from underwater is risky and requires highly skilled labor. Although new machines have arrived, their penetration among small and rural farmers is still limited.
Climate Impact: Global warming and irregular rainfall are affecting the water levels of wetlands and ponds, which directly impacts Makhana production.
What is Makhana? Botany and Agricultural Background
Makhana, scientifically known as Euryale ferox, is an aquatic crop. It is primarily cultivated in shallow ponds, lakes, swamps, and wetlands. The most important part of this aquatic plant is its seed. Makhana seeds are collected from underwater, after which they are dried, roasted at high temperatures, and processed to give them the crispy, white, and light form that we consume. The primary reason for India's global monopoly in Makhana production is its unique agro-climatic conditions and the experience of traditional farming passed down through generations. The main production of Makhana in the country extends across Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of Assam, with Bihar indisputably playing the leading role.
-22Aug-2026
