Makhana (fox nuts) is emerging as a superfood with immense potential for economic transformation, particularly for Bihar, India’s leading producer. With increasing global demand, Bihar has the opportunity to become the “Makhana Capital of the World.” However, challenges such as lack of infrastructure, low productivity, and an unorganized market prevent the state from reaping the full benefits of this lucrative crop. The establishment of a Makhana Board by the Indian government is a significant step toward resolving these issues and boosting Bihar’s economy.
What is Makhana?
Makhana, known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is the edible seed of the Euryale ferox plant, which grows in stagnant water bodies like ponds, lakes, and wetlands. It is often referred to as “Black Diamond” due to its black outer shell. After processing, the seeds turn white and are consumed as a healthy snack.
Ideal Growth Conditions for Makhana Cultivation
- Temperature: 20°C to 35°C
- Humidity: 50% to 90%
- Annual Rainfall: 100 to 250 cm
- Water Depth: 4 to 6 feet
Bihar’s flood-prone regions provide an ideal environment for makhana cultivation, making the state the largest producer in India.
Why is Makhana Important?
Nutritional & Health Benefits
Makhana is gaining global recognition as a superfood due to its high nutritional value:
- Low in fat, making it a healthy snack alternative to chips and popcorn.
- Rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.
- Contains anti-aging compounds like glutamine, arginine, and methionine.
- Helps in weight loss, diabetes management, and heart health.
Economic Potential of Makhana
- Global Makhana Market: Reached $43.56 million in 2023 and continues to grow.
- High Market Price: Retail prices range from ₹600 to ₹900 per kg in India, while international prices can go up to ₹1,000 per kg.
- Increased Profit Margins: Over the past 20 years, profit margins have increased by 30%.
Bihar contributes 90% of India’s total makhana production, yet it fails to capitalize on the growing domestic and global demand due to several challenges.
Makhana Production in Bihar
- Land Under Cultivation: ~35,000 hectares
- Number of Farmers Engaged: ~25,000
- Annual Production: ~10,000 tons of popped makhana
- Major Producing Districts:
- Mithilanchal region contributes 80% of total production
- Key districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Sitamarhi
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
In 2022, Mithila Makhana was granted a GI tag, officially recognizing its uniqueness and quality. This enhances its branding and marketing potential at the global level.
One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme
Makhana is included in the ODOP scheme, promoting it as a specialty product from Bihar, increasing its visibility and commercial value.
Challenges Facing Bihar’s Makhana Industry
Despite being the largest producer, Bihar is unable to fully capitalize on makhana’s economic potential due to several structural challenges:
1. Lack of Food Processing Infrastructure
- Bihar lacks food processing units to convert raw makhana into value-added products.
- Punjab and Assam (which do not grow makhana) are leading exporters due to their better food processing facilities.
2. Weak Export Infrastructure
- Bihar does not have cargo facilities at its airports, restricting direct exports.
- As a result, Bihar’s makhana is sent as raw material to other states, which process and package it before exporting, capturing the higher profit margins.
3. Unorganized Market & Middlemen Exploitation
- A large number of intermediaries reduce farmers’ earnings.
- While makhana sells for ₹600-900 per kg in the market, farmers get much lower prices.
4. Labor-Intensive & Low Productivity
- Makhana farming is manual and time-consuming.
- Farmers harvest raw seeds from ponds, which is physically demanding.
- Post-harvest processes (cleaning, drying, roasting, popping) are done manually, increasing labor costs.
5. High Crop Wastage
- Only 40% of harvested seeds are edible.
- Only 2% of popped makhana meets export quality standards.
6. Lack of Awareness About High-Yield Varieties
- Farmers still use traditional varieties that yield 1.7-1.9 tons per hectare.
- New varieties like Swarn Vaidehi and Sabour-1 can yield 3-3.5 tons per hectare, but adoption is low due to lack of awareness.
How the Makhana Board Can Help Bihar
In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar. This initiative aims to:
- Promote research & development for high-yield varieties.
- Support mechanization of makhana farming to reduce labor costs.
- Develop processing units to create value-added makhana products.
- Improve market access by organizing the supply chain.
- Encourage exports by developing Bihar’s export infrastructure.
This board could revolutionize Bihar’s makhana industry, making it a global leader in production and exports.
How Makhana Can Make Bihar Rich?
If Bihar resolves its challenges and leverages its strengths, makhana could become a major revenue-generating industry:
- Increase Farmer Income:
- Adoption of high-yield varieties can double production.
- Better market access and eliminating middlemen can increase farmer profits.
- Boost State Economy:
- Developing food processing units can create jobs and increase Bihar’s GDP.
- Strengthening export infrastructure can help Bihar capture international markets.
- Position Bihar as a Global Leader:
- With 90% of India’s production, Bihar has the potential to become the “Makhana Capital of the World”.
- A Bihar-based makhana brand can gain global recognition, similar to how Basmati rice represents India.
- Enhance Rural Development:
- Makhana farming can provide sustainable livelihood opportunities.
- Government support can encourage youth participation in agribusiness.
Final Thoughts
Makhana is a goldmine for Bihar, offering huge economic potential if challenges are addressed. By establishing the Makhana Board, improving processing infrastructure, and boosting exports, Bihar can become a global makhana hub, significantly increasing farmers’ income and state revenue. This “White Gold” has the power to transform Bihar into an economic powerhouse.
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