Top News

'Pag-pag puddle, maach-makhan, sweet words, musky mouth and ears, this thick mithilak identity'

People who know Mithila must have heard these lines at some time or the other. This means that if there is a pond, fish, sweet speech and smile at your every step, then you are in Mithila. This is the identity of Mithila. Be it fasting, snacks or the delicious dish of peas and paneer, Makhana has entered our plates in such a way that it seems it has been in our homes for centuries. Once upon a time, Makhana, which was suffering from losses and hard work, is today giving global business worth Rs 12 thousand crores to India. Makhana is an important part of Mithila's identity.

This traditional crop of Mithila has now acquired the tag of 'Global Superfood'. It has become the fastest growing agri-food product of the country. The reason for this is nutrition, increasing health awareness and global demand. India is the world's largest producer of makhana. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bihar is producing about three-fourth of the country's total production and 80-85 percent of the global supply.

What is Makhana, how is it prepared?

Makhana is called fox net in English. Scientists know it by the name of 'Euriale Forox'. It is an aquatic crop, which is found in shallow ponds, lakes and moist ground. Only the seed of the plant is edible, it is roasted, peeled and processed and sold. Makhana is grown in Bihar, West Bengal and Assam.

How did the demand for Makhana increase?

Ever since Makhana was promoted as a superfood, its demand has increased worldwide. From the year 2015, Makhana trade gained rapid pace in India. The National Makhana Board was constituted on 14 October 2025 under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Now from being a traditional food of Bihar, it has become a 'health food' of the country. Many startups have started to produce better Makhana. Many Farmer Production Organizations (FPOs) came into existence and worked hard to improve the Makhana.

How was Makhana Board formed?

The Central Government had announced the National Makhana Board in the Budget 2025-26. Formally launched in Bihar on 15 September 2025. A total Central Regional Plan of Rs 476.03 crore has been approved for Makhana development from 2025-26 to 2030-31. The scheme focuses on research, good seeds, skills of farmers, post-harvest improvement, value addition, branding, exports and quality control. Rs 30 crore have been approved for 2025-26 and Rs 90 crore for 2026-27.

Also read: Vision of Bihar in Delhi, blueprint from Makhana Board to Global Tourism Hub

How much makhana does India produce?

India's total makhana production in the year 2024-25 was 63,910 metric tons. The yield was about 2.03 metric tons per hectare. For 2025-26, it is estimated that production may reach around 80,590 metric tons. 2.34 metric tons of makhana can be produced per hectare. Bihar has no role in producing Makhana. Bihar alone, produces 60,000 metric tonnes of makhana. The yield per hectare here is 2.00 metric tons. 1 metric ton is equal to 1 thousand kg.

In which districts of Bihar is Makhana cultivated?

Makhana is cultivated in North Bihar. A lot of makhana is grown in Supaul, Saharsa and Madhepura districts of Kosi basin. Mithila-Seemanchal areas are the center of Makhana cultivation. Improved varieties like Swarn Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 and field-system farming have increased productivity. Earlier, Makhana cultivation was done in a disorganized manner, but now by making fields, its seeds are sown and crops are prepared.

How much makhana can we sell?

India produces more than 0.6 lakh metric tons of makhana annually. Out of this, about 40 percent i.e. 0.23-0.25 lakh metric tons is exported, the rest goes for domestic consumption. The domestic market is expected to grow by 17-18 per cent annually between 2021-22 and 2024-25. 40 percent of the total Makhana produced in India is exported. India sells about 23,000 to 25,000 metric tons of makhana to the world, while 60 percent of makhana is consumed in the country itself.

How much makhana is eaten in the country?

There is a domestic demand of 3,000 to 3,500 metric tons of roasted makhana every month, of which the share of branded companies is 1,800 to 2,000 metric tons and that of the open market is 1,200 to 1,400 metric tons. This total demand increases to 5,000 metric tons during festival times.

How much profit is there from Makhana cultivation?

Due to only 4 percent to 5 percent increase in production, its price increased two and a half times from Rs 500 per kg in 2020-22 to Rs 1,250 per kg in 2025. Prices are increasing at an annual rate of 17 percent to 18 percent during the year 2021-22 to 2024-25. The makhana market is estimated to reach Rs 11,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore by 2029-30.

How to make Makhana a brand?

In the year 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) also issued separate Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code for Popped Makhana and other products. Because of this it has become easier to track the business. Every month, branded fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and organized companies bring 1,800 to 2,000 metric tonnes of makhana to the market in the country. 1,200 to 1,400 metric tons of makhana is sold through unorganized and retail shops. Under government schemes, this year an additional 1,010 hectares of land was included in Makhana cultivation and 73 hectares were used only for seed production. This directly benefited 8,159 farmers across the country.

In which countries, at what price is Indian Makhana sold?

According to the export data of the Commerce Ministry, makhana was sold at an average rate of $ 19.5 per kg to America, $ 15.8 per kg to Canada and $ 13.3 per kg to UAE. Countries like Germany, Nepal and Australia are paying the highest price. The price of one kg of Makhana is reaching 26 dollars in Germany, 21.6 dollars in Nepal and 21 dollars in Australia. Britain accounts for 10 percent of Indian Makhana exports, where the average price is $20 per kg.

Why is Makhana beneficial for health?

How is Makhana prepared from farm to market?

The process of makhana production starts with preparation of the pond. This is followed by sowing the seeds, tending the crop and finally harvesting by hand using water. After this, processing steps include drying, cleaning, roasting, popping, polishing and grading. Apart from this, value-added products like flavored makhana, ready-to-eat snacks and makhana flour are also manufactured.

How is the government promoting Makhana?

National Research Center for Makhana has also played an important role in this field. Between 2012 and 2023, the institute delivered 15,824.1 kg of high-yield seeds to farmers and trained more than 3,000 farmers. Besides, technical assistance was also given to 24 enterprises. The institute also developed machines like Makhana Seed Washer, Grader, Roasting Machine and Popping Machine, which were further licensed and marketed. Experts believe that with the continuous efforts of the National Makhana Board and research institutes, the income of farmers will increase in the coming times, employment opportunities will be created in villages and India's agricultural exports will become stronger.