SYLLABUS

GS-3: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

Context: India’s makhana (fox nut) market is projected to reach ₹11,000–12,000 crore by 2029-30, driven by rising demand, higher prices, expanding production and growing interest in health-focused snacks.

About the Makhana

• Makhana, scientifically known as Euryale ferox, is an aquatic crop grown mainly in shallow ponds, lakes and wetlands.

• The edible part of the plant is its seed, which is roasted, popped and consumed as fox nut.

• Makhana is traditionally consumed during religious fasting (vrat) and as a dry-roasted or ghee-roasted snack.

• It is also known as gorgon nut and is sometimes referred to as fox nut, although its botanical identity is different from that of lotus or water lily.

• Makhana has traditionally been associated with Bihar, particularly the Mithila region of North Bihar.

• The Mithila Makhana variety received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022, strengthening its identity and market value.

• Makhana has evolved from a traditional food of Bihar into a widely consumed health-focused snack, supported by rising health awareness, premiumisation and the expansion of branded products.

India’s Status of Makhana

• Global and Domestic Position: India is the world’s largest producer of makhana, with cultivation mainly concentrated in Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. 

• Bihar accounts for the overwhelming share of production, particularly in North Bihar, the Kosi basin, Mithila and Seemanchal regions, with major districts including Madhubani, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia and Supaul.

• Production and Productivity: In 2024-25, India’s makhana production was 63,910 MT, with average productivity of 2.03 MT per hectare, while the Second Advance Estimates for 2025-26 put production at 80,590 MT and productivity at 2.34 MT per hectare. 

• Bihar’s production is estimated at 60,000 MT, with productivity of 2.00 MT per hectare; field-system farming and varieties such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 are improving productivity and reducing cultivation risks.

• Domestic Market and Export Potential: The domestic market grew 17–18% annually between 2021-22 and 2024-25 and is projected to reach ₹11,000–12,000 crore by 2029-30, while average prices rose from around ₹500/kg to nearly ₹1,250/kg. 

• In 2025-26, India exported 7,264.89 MT of makhana products worth ₹19,296.08 lakh, with the US, Canada and UAE accounting for 77% of exports, creating scope for stronger export diversification.

Government Initiatives

• National Makhana Board, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and formally launched in Bihar (Purnea) on 15 September 2025, aims to strengthen the entire makhana value chain covering production, research, processing, value addition, branding, marketing and exports.

• The Government has approved a ₹476.03-crore Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana for 2025-26 to 2030-31, focusing on research and innovation, quality seeds, farmer skills, harvesting and post-harvest practices, value addition, branding, marketing, exports and quality control.

• Makhana Vikas Yojana (Bihar) trains farmers, provides traditional equipment kits at 75% subsidy and promotes improved seeds with subsidies of up to ₹70,000 per hectare.

• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) storage initiative provides 75% subsidy up to ₹7.5 lakh for modern five-MT storage units to reduce post-harvest losses.

• The Prime Minister’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) Scheme provides a 35% credit-linked capital subsidy for establishing or upgrading small makhana processing units.

• Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) organises artisans into makhana clusters and equips them with modern machinery.

• The Daak Niryat Kendra at Darbhanga, set up by India Post, supports local makhana producers with export documentation, packaging and shipping, providing a direct logistical link from Mithilanchal to overseas markets.

Significance

• Farmer Income: Improved productivity, modern cultivation techniques, value addition and stronger market linkages can support higher farmer incomes.

• Rural Employment: Processing, grading, packaging, branding and value-added products can create rural employment and strengthen makhana-based agro-industries.

• Export Potential: Growing global demand for healthy, plant-based, clean-label and premium food products provide an opportunity to strengthen makhana as an export-oriented agricultural value chain.

• Agricultural Diversification: Makhana’s transition from a traditional pond-based crop to a high-value, branded and export-oriented agri-food product can contribute to agricultural diversification and strengthen India’s agri-food economy.