Unleashing Untapped Potential of Makhana Farming

By announcing the establishment of the Makhana Board and the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) in Bihar, the Union Budget 2025 has made a significant contribution to the development of India's agricultural economy, especially for high-value commodities like Makhana (foxnuts). By increasing farmer incomes, improving value addition, and offering institutional assistance, this will fortify the industry. In addition to lowering post-harvest losses, expanding financial assistance for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and MSMEs will provide improved processing, storage, and value-chain growth. By utilising cutting-edge trading platforms, effective price discovery, and strong supply chains, Bihar can propel both internal and international markets, as India's Makhana exports are increasing by 30 per cent annually. To propel the prosperity of Makhana farmers and advance India's standing as a leading supplier of Makhana in international markets, the cover story discusses how the combined efforts of policy makers, industry partners, and farmer cooperatives would be crucial.

- Suchetana Choudhury

Makhan, a low-fat, gluten-free snack, has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts worldwide in recent years. Some have even dubbed it a superfood. The price of makhana on the global wholesale market has significantly increased to around eight times in the last 10 years from around Rs 1,000/kg ten years ago to around Rs 8,000 per kg. An estimated 15,000 hectares are used for makhana farming in India. 1,20,000 metric tonnes (MT) of makhana seeds are produced, and 40,000 MT of makhana are produced after processing. The production at the farmer's end is projected to be worth Rs 250 crore, and at the trader level, it brings in Rs 550 crore.

Bihar is the leader in makhana production as it contributes about 90 per cent of India's makhana output. A few other states that cultivate makhana include Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha. India's top export destinations for makhana include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. Even though makhana is a nutritious cuisine that is high in minerals and nutrients, just 1-2 per cent of it is exported. Approximately, 100 to 150 tonnes of popped makhana are shipped to foreign nations annually.

Speaking on the prospects of business and trade in makhana (Foxnuts),