Context: Bihar, which produces nearly 90% of India’s makhana (foxnut), has recently become central to the government’s agricultural and rural development strategy. With rising global demand and growing recognition of makhana as a superfood, the crop holds unique economic and cultural significance, especially in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.
Economic Significance
Makhana (botanical name: Euryale ferox) is primarily cultivated in the districts of Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar, which together contribute around 80% of Bihar’s production. Traditionally consumed during fasting and Ayurvedic diets, makhana has now gained mainstream popularity due to its high protein, low fat, and antioxidant-rich profile.
The global makhana market, valued at USD 43.56 million in 2023, is projected to double to USD 100 million by 2033, driven by rising health-consciousness and snack industry diversification. This positions makhana as a high-value export crop that can generate employment and entrepreneurship in rural Bihar.
Challenges in the Sector
Despite its potential, several structural issues limit farmer incomes and market development:
- Processing and Infrastructure Gaps: Bihar lacks sufficient food processing units (FPUs), cold-chain facilities, and export-oriented packaging centres. Large quantities of raw makhana are sold to processors in Punjab and Assam, where value addition and branding occur — leaving Bihar farmers with a low share of final profits.
- Weak Market Organisation: Small farmers depend on middlemen due to a lack of producer cooperatives or direct market access. The demand for Minimum Support Price (MSP) remains unresolved, emerging as a critical farmer welfare concern.
- Labour-Intensive and Costly Cultivation: Harvesting involves manual pond diving, shelling, and hand-roasting, making the process both time-consuming and expensive.
- Low Productivity Levels: Traditional cultivation methods yield only 1.7–1.9 tonnes/hectare, whereas improved varieties such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 can increase yields to 3–3.5 tonnes/hectare with scientific practices.
Read also: Foxnuts (makhana) are in demand as a ‘super snack’
National Makhana Board
On 15th September, the Prime Minister launched the National Makhana Board in Purnea, Bihar, with a budget of ₹100 crore.
The Board aims to:
- Enhance production through scientific farming and seed improvement
- Strengthen processing, storage, and export infrastructure
- Facilitate training and capacity building for farmers and self-help groups
- Improve market linkages and reduce intermediaries
A planned Food Processing Institute in the region is expected to serve as a hub for innovation, skilling, entrepreneurship, and the development of makhana-based product lines such as snacks, health mixes, and nutraceuticals.
Conclusion
Makhana represents a strategic opportunity to link traditional livelihoods with modern value chains. With institutional support, improved production technologies, and stronger processing networks, Bihar can emerge as a global hub for high-quality makhana, boosting both farmer incomes and regional economic development.