Historical Roots and Cultural Significance

Makhana has a documented history of more than two centuries. Its origins trace back to South-East Asia, but it is in the Mithila region of Bihar—especially Madhubani, Darbhanga, and the floodplains of the Kosi region—that the crop found its most favourable ecological and cultural home.

For the people of Mithilanchal, Makhana is not merely a food item—it is woven deeply into social identity, religious customs, and festive rituals. In Maithil weddings, pujas, and cultural ceremonies, Makhana offerings are considered auspicious. Over time, the trade in Makhana flourished through important hubs such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, and the bustling Gulab Bagh market of Purnea, one of the largest agricultural markets in North Bihar.

This combination of heritage, livelihood security, and cultural pride forms the foundation of Makhana’s prominence today.

Ecological and Climatic Conditions for Makhana Cultivation

Makhana is a unique aquatic crop grown primarily in natural and man-made wetlands. Its cultivation is labour-intensive and requires specific climatic and ecological settings. The favourable conditions are:

Production Statistics: Bihar’s Dominance

Bihar is the undisputed leader of Makhana production—both in India and the world.

Such dominance gives Bihar a natural comparative advantage and a strong foundation for global leadership in Makhana-based products.

Makhana as a Superfood: Nutritional and Health Benefits

The global recognition of Makhana stems from its exceptional nutritional profile. Light, gluten-free, and rich in minerals, Makhana is ideal for all age groups, especially diabetics, heart patients, and those seeking weight management.

1. High in Essential Minerals

• Magnesium and potassium → Maintain blood pressure and support heart health
• Calcium and phosphorus → Improve bone strength
• Iron → Increases haemoglobin levels and prevents anaemia

2. Supports Weight Loss

• Very low in fat and calories
• High satiety value
• Suitable for low-calorie diets

3. Regulates Blood Sugar

• Low glycemic index
• Releases glucose slowly
• Beneficial for diabetics

4. Digestive and Anti-inflammatory Benefits

• Rich in dietary fibre, aiding digestion
• Contains kaempferol, a natural antioxidant with anti-ageing properties

5. Gluten-Free and Easily Digestible

• Ideal for people with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or digestive disorders

The combination of health, tradition, and taste has made Makhana a premium superfood in global markets—from the USA to UAE.

Economic and Social Significance

1. Livelihood Support for 5 Lakh Farmers

The crop sustains lakhs of small and marginal farmers, especially the Mallah and Nishad communities, who possess traditional knowledge of harvesting and processing.

2. Women Empowerment

Small-scale roasting, grading, and packaging units provide income opportunities to rural women, enabling micro-enterprises and home-based employment.

3. Reduction of Distress Migration

Availability of sustainable local livelihood reduces out-migration to urban centres.

4. Opportunities for Value Addition

The demand for:

• roasted flavoured makhana,
• Makhana flour,
• protein-rich powders,
• beauty and wellness products

has created a sunrise sector in food processing.

5. Export Potential

GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has opened a premium global market, strengthening India’s agricultural exports.

6. Environmental Sustainability

Makhana cultivation:

• promotes wetland conservation
• supports integrated fish farming
• enhances biodiversity

Thus, it aligns with climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable water management.

Major Achievements in the Makhana Sector

1. GI Tag for Mithila Makhana (2022)

• Provides legal protection
• Ensures premium branding
• Prevents misuse of the regional identity
• Enhances export value

2. Export Milestone (2024–25)

For the first time, GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was exported to the USA and UAE. This marked a major achievement in India’s “Local Goes Global” initiative championed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

3. ICAR’s ‘Swarna Vaidehi’ Variety

• Can be transplanted like paddy
• Shorter maturity duration
• Higher productivity and better quality

This innovation is a game changer for farmers shifting to scientific cultivation.

4. Technological Upgradation

• Introduction of oven-based roasting
• Mechanical poppers replacing traditional iron pans
• Improved drying and grading methods

5. Rise of Start-Ups and FPOs

Brands such as Farmley have popularised value-added products like Peri Peri Makhana, creating a vibrant market.

Challenges Confronting the Sector

Despite its potential, the Makhana sector faces several deep-rooted challenges.

1. Hazardous and Labour-Intensive Harvesting

Harvesting requires workers to:

• wade in chest-deep water
• deal with thorny plants
• face risks of drowning, infections, and skin diseases

This makes the process risky and limits productivity.

2. Low Price Realisation

Farmers receive less than 10% of the final retail value due to:

• long supply chains
• multiple intermediaries
• lack of transparency
• absence of regulated mandis post the APMC repeal in Bihar (2006)

3. Unorganised Value Chain

Most farmers operate individually, reducing bargaining power and access to markets.

4. Poor Processing Infrastructure

There are:

• insufficient post-harvest units
• lack of popping/roasting equipment
• inadequate drying and grading facilities

5. Storage Problems

Absence of cold chains and warehouses leads to distress selling during peak harvest season.

6. Climate Vulnerability

Erratic rainfall, declining monsoon averages (down to 800 mm in many parts of Bihar), and rising temperatures threaten pond ecology and crop yields.

7. Limited Research and Technological Innovation

• Only one specialised centre—ICAR’s National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga
• Slow pace of mechanisation
• Limited funding for varietal improvement

These constraints hinder large-scale modernisation.

Government Measures to Boost Production and Marketing

1. National Makhana Board (Union Budget 2025)

A landmark step with ₹475 crore initial funding, focusing on:

• production enhancement
• post-harvest management
• technology infusion
• value addition
• export promotion
• support to FPOs
• cluster development

The Board will be headquartered in Purnea, strategically located in Seemanchal.

2. ODOP (One District One Product)

Makhana has been recognised as the ODOP product in:

• Darbhanga
• Madhubani
• Katihar
• Purnea
• and neighbouring districts. (𝐏𝐃𝐅 of One District One Product)

This ensures targeted funding, branding, and market access.

3. PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)

• Up to 35% subsidy for processing units
• Training in packaging, food safety, and marketing
• Encouraging rural entrepreneurship

4. Makhana Vikas Yojana (Bihar Government)

Implemented in 10 districts, the scheme:

• brings waterlogged areas under cultivation
• provides subsidised seeds
• facilitates pond construction and renovation
• offers technical training via Bhola Paswan Shastri Agriculture College, Purnea

5. Support from Krishi Vigyan Kendras

KVKs train farmers in:

• line transplanting
• integrated pest management
• improved water management

6. Financial Incentives

Under the Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, Makhana units receive tax rebates and capital subsidies.

7. Cluster Development

Integrated clusters in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Katihar, and Purnea include:

• common processing centres
• cold storage
• grading facilities
• transport connectivity

8. APEDA’s New Patna Office (2025)

APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority):

• opened its first office in Patna
• organised an international buyer-seller meet in May 2025
• initiated export contracts for Makhana products

9. Strengthening FPOs

Farmer Producer Organisations help:

• aggregate production
• negotiate prices
• reduce dependence on middlemen
• improve market reach

10. Establishment of NIFTEM in Bihar

The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Management will:

• foster research
• promote agri-startups
• support product diversification

Way Forward: Strategies for Sustainable Growth

To fully unlock the potential of the Makhana sector, the following steps are essential:

1. Move Up the Value Chain

Promote:

• flavoured snacks
• makhana flour
• breakfast cereals
• health supplements
• cosmetics and skincare products

This increases profits and export earnings.

2. Strengthen Direct Market Linkages

• E-commerce platforms
• Farm-to-market models
• Cooperative federations
• FPO-led aggregator platforms

These ensure better price realisation for farmers.

3. Modernise Cultivation and Processing

Introduce:

• suction harvesters
• mechanical poppers
• automated roasting machines
• solar dryers
• scientific pond management

Mechanisation will reduce drudgery and increase efficiency.

4. Create Integrated Infrastructure

• cold chains
• storage godowns
• common processing centres
• dedicated Makhana industrial parks

5. Expand Financial Access

Provide:

• institutional credit
• crop insurance
• low-interest loans
• working capital support for small processors

6. Skill Development

Training on:

• scientific cultivation
• quality grading
• packaging
• entrepreneurship

7. Wetland Conservation

Renovating ponds through:

• desilting
• strengthening embankments
• ensuring perennial water availability
• adopting Makhana-fish integration

8. Research and Development

• climate-resilient seed varieties
• water-efficient cultivation models
• improved processing technologies

NRCM and NIFTEM can lead this research ecosystem.