The future of Makhana is bright—and hopefully, it is just getting started

But what exactly is Makhana?

Crop with deep roots

Makhana, also known as gorgon nut, is not just any snack: it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Grown primarily in Bihar, which accounts for 85 per cent of India’s production, Makhana is cultivated on about 15,000 hectares, yielding 120,000 metric tons of seeds annually. After processing, this translates to 40,000 metric tons of popped Makhana, light and crunchy nuts rich in carbohydrates, protein, fibre, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. It is gluten-free, low in calories, and has a low glycemic index, making it a dream for health-conscious consumers. Traditionally, Makhana is grown in ponds, where farmers harvest the mature seed heads, dry them, and pop the seeds to create the edible form. This traditional method of Makhana cultivation is labour-intensive. However, newer field-based cultivation techniques are emerging, promising higher yields and greater efficiency. These innovations are crucial as India looks to scale up production to meet both domestic demand and growing international interest.

Yet, despite its promise, Makhana exports remain modest. Currently, only one per cent of India’s total production is exported, the major markets being the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In 2024, India exported 15,350 tonnes of Makhana, earning $32.31 million—a five per cent increase from 2013. While this growth is steady, it’s far from reaching its full potential. Domestic consumption stands at 39,600 metric tons, leaving plenty of room to expand exports without compromising local availability.

Drivers of Makhana export

The Makhana industry is witnessing remarkable growth, driven by increasing global demand for healthy, plant-based snacks. According to IMARC (2023), the Indian Makhana market, valued at Rs 7.8 billion (Rs 780 crore) in 2023, is expected to more than double by 2032, reaching Rs 18.9 billion (Rs 1,890 crore) with a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR+) of 9.7 per cent. On the global front, Valuates (2024) projects the market to grow from $ 120 million in 2024 to $192.6 million by 2030, reflecting a robust CAGR of 8.2 per cent. The surge in popularity is largely attributed to growing consumer awareness about Makhana’s nutritional profile—naturally gluten-free, low in calories, high in protein, and rich in antioxidants and essential minerals—which has positioned it as a modern-day superfood.

What makes this growth story even more compelling is the untapped potential in international markets. Regions like Europe, Africa, and the Americas are still largely unexplored, offering vast opportunities for expansion. Rising interest in clean-label, guilt-free snacks in the US and UK presents an ideal entry point for Makhana, especially as consumers seek healthier alternatives to traditional snacks like chips and popcorn. With supportive government policies, improved supply chain logistics, and adherence to global food safety standards, small and medium enterprises are well-placed to lead this wave. Strategic branding, product innovation, and market education could unlock Makhana’s full potential as a global health snack.

Policy interventions and path forward

So, how can India unlock Makhana’s export potential? The answer lies in strategic policy interventions. The government has taken the right initiative to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar to provide the necessary impetus for Makhana cultivation and trade. One key aspect of the trading and promotional strategy has to be leveraging the GI tag for ‘Mithila Makhana,’ awarded in August 2022. This tag not only protects the traditional knowledge and quality of Bihar’s Makhana but also positions it as a premium product in global markets.

However, GI can be complemented by other strategies, such as organic or fair-trade certification, to enhance Makhana’s appeal in health-conscious markets. Obtaining certification at the farmers’ level might involve high transaction costs, and a viable strategy could be the creation of farmer clusters and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), which not only help with certification but also streamline the supply chain. These organisations can help farmers access better technology, credit, and market linkages, ensuring consistent quality and higher yields.

Another critical area is value addition. Developing products like flavoured Makhana or fortified versions could cater to diverse consumer preferences, from kids’ snacks to health supplements. Further, if we are to cater to the global markets, we need strict adherence to the quality standards in all stages of the supply chain, for which substantial training of farmers is also needed.

The bigger picture

Why does this matter? Beyond the numbers, scaling up Makhana exports could be a game-changer for rural India; however, how much of it would lead to the prosperity of farmers is a question that remains to be answered. Bihar, where most Makhana is grown, is one of India’s least developed states. By increasing unit value realisation and tapping into global markets, farmers can see higher incomes, leading to improved livelihoods and poverty alleviation. It is not just about selling more Makhana but about creating a sustainable future for thousands of smallholder farmers. From the initial phases, the policies should take measures to ensure that farmers get a fair share of the earnings from Makhana. Aggregating farmers into farmer producer organisations can be a strategy in this direction.

Challenges and opportunities

Of course, the road ahead isn’t without hurdles. One major challenge is the lack of a dedicated Harmonized System (HS) code for Makhana, which makes tracking exports difficult. Additionally, there’s a need for greater awareness among farmers about modern cultivation techniques and market trends. The broader environmental impact of intensive cultivation of Makhana also needs to be studied. More studies are needed to examine the effect of biotic and abiotic stresses on production. Further, mechanisation in harvesting and processing is needed for its expansion to meet the global demand. As indicated before, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits, specifically to farmers, needs to be given importance.

Opportunities, on the other hand, are vast. With demand for healthy snacks projected to grow, both globally and in India, Makhana is well-positioned to capitalise on the trend. Its unique combination of taste, nutrition, and cultural positioning sets it apart from other superfoods. As India looks to diversify its agricultural exports, Makhana could join the ranks of basmati rice and spices.

A taste of the future

Imagine walking into a supermarket in Berlin, London, or New York and spotting a packet of ‘Makhana’ on the shelf (it’s a reality now in many stores). From Bihar’s ponds to global markets, Makhana’s journey could set an example of how innovation backed by the right policies and the correct positioning can transform a local crop into a global commodity. With the establishment of the Makhana board, this superfood could not only boost India’s economy but also put a spotlight on the ingenuity of its farmers. The future of Makhana is bright—and hopefully, it is just getting started.