Makhana: Nutritional & Economic Significance

Table of contents

Makhana, also known as fox nuts or gorgon nuts, is an aquatic crop primarily cultivated in Bihar, Assam, and parts of Eastern India. It has recently gained recognition as a superfood due to its high nutritional value, antioxidant properties, & economic potential. Makhana is now rapidly expanding into global health food markets, driven by increasing demand for plant-based, organic, and gluten-free foods.
With the Indian government’s emphasis on agricultural diversification, rural development, and export promotion, Makhana has emerged as a key focus area. In the Budget 2025-26, the government announced setting up a Makhana Board in Bihar and establishing the National Makhana Research Centre. This is under efforts to enhance production, farmer income, & international market competitiveness.

About Makhana (Black Diamond)

Makhana, also known as a gorgon nut or fox nut, is a type of dried edible seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox).
Known as ‘Black Diamond’ due to its small, round black/brown seeds, which turn white when processed.
It is considered a native of Southeast Asia and China but distributed to almost every part of the world.
‘Mithila Makhana’ was granted a GI tag in 2022.
Makhana is approved under the Union government’s One District One Product scheme.
It is mainly found and grown in tropical and subtropical climates.

Climatic conditions

Temperature: 20-35 degrees Celsius
Relative humidity: 50%-90%
Annual rainfall: 100-250 cm
Soil type: Smooth loamy soil
It is grown in stagnant perennial water bodies like ponds, oxbow lakes, swamps and ditches.

Other Food Items Considered Diamonds

Red Diamond: Saffron, known for its rich color and distinct flavor, is sometimes referred to as the red diamond because of its rarity and high price.
Black Diamond of the Sea: Caviar, the roe of sturgeon fish, is considered the black diamond of the sea due to its luxurious nature and high cost.
Golden Diamond: Alphonso mango is called the golden diamond for its rich taste, high quality, and rarity in certain regions.
Black Diamond of the Kitchen: Truffles, a type of fungi, are known as the black diamond of the kitchen due to their rarity, unique flavor, and high cost.
Black Diamond of the Culinary World: Vanilla, especially the Bourbon variety, is sometimes called the black diamond because of its labor-intensive cultivation process and premium value.
Seed Diamond: Due to their delicate flavor and rarity, pine nuts are sometimes referred to as seed diamonds.

Health benefits of Makhana

It has high fibre content, low glycemic index and phytochemical constituents. It contains an insignificant amount of fat and is rich in protein.
It prevents high blood pressure and sugar.
Makhana in the regular diet prevents early ageing and stops the greying of hair and wrinkles.
The high calcium content with nominal saturated fat of makhana strengthens bones and muscles.
Makhana contains a low amount of sodium and a high amount of potassium, which is good for cardiac health. It also has a healthy amount of minerals like magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus.
Used in traditional medicine and as a healthy snack.
It has a growing global demand as a ‘superfood’ among fitness enthusiasts.

Major Production Regions

The global Makhana market, valued at $43.56 million in 2023, is projected to reach $100 million by 2033.
India contributes to 80% of the world’s demand for Foxnuts.
Bihar accounts for 90% of India’s Makhana production.
- Key producing districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi.
- Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar contribute 80% of Bihar’s total output.
Producing states: Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh.
Also cultivated in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.

Economic Significance of Makhana

Makhana farming supports over 5 lakh farmers, particularly small & marginal farmers and fishermen communities.
It provides employment opportunities, especially for women-led microenterprises in processing and value addition.
The demand for Makhana is rising in India & international markets such as USA, UK, Japan, & Australia.
Bihar Makhana received a GI tag in 2022, enhancing its branding and global recognition.
Value-added products like Makhana snacks, protein powders, & cosmetics are expanding its market.
Government initiatives like the Makhana Board in Bihar and the National Makhana Research Centre aim to enhance productivity and exports.

Nutritional and Medicinal Value

Makhana is rich in protein, fiber, low calories, and healthy carbohydrates, making it a superfood.
It contains kaempferol, known for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
It strengthens heart health, improves kidney function, and helps in detoxification.
It is widely used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for treating hypertension, insomnia, and arthritis.

Credit: Makhana.com

Challenges in Makhana Production

High Labor Dependency: Makhana harvesting involves manual collection, drying, and roasting, making it labor-intensive and costly.
Lack of Mechanization: Traditional farming methods dominate, with minimal adoption of modern equipment, leading to low efficiency and high post-harvest losses.
Market Exploitation: Middlemen dictate prices, reducing farmers’ earnings and causing price fluctuations in domestic and export markets.
Climate Sensitivity: Requires specific water levels and temperature conditions, making it vulnerable to erratic monsoons, declining wetland ecosystems, and pollution.
Declining Skilled Labor: The Mallah community (2.5% of Bihar’s population) specialises in Makhana harvesting, but youth migration to other jobs is creating a labor crisis.
Lack of Standardization: The absence of an HSN code affects traceability, export certification, and international market credibility, limiting India’s competitiveness.

Government Initiatives for Promoting Makhana Cultivation

Formation of Makhana Board: Announced in Budget 2025-26, the Makhana Board in Bihar aims to organise farming, provide technical support, stabilise prices, promote marketing, and enhance exports.
National Makhana Research Centre: To be established in Darbhanga, Bihar, focusing on high-yielding varieties, mechanized processing, sustainable water management, and farmer training.
Financial Support & Subsidies: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, discussions on Minimum Support Price (MSP), and NABARD assistance for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Makhana-growing regions.
Inclusion in Government Schemes
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) provides irrigation support.
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promotes climate-resilient water-based farming.
- Operation Greens supports post-harvest processing and value-chain development.
- Makhana Vikas Yojana (Bihar) boosts cultivation and productivity in 10 districts through training and equipment grants.
Export Promotion & Global Branding
- GI Tag for Mithila Makhana enhances international market recognition.
- Trade agreements and export facilitation improve global market access.
- APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) promotes Makhana exports.
- Participation in global food exhibitions and trade fairs increases international demand.

Makhana Board & Its Significance

Rs 100 crore budget allocation to boost production, processing, and export.
Aims to enhance food processing capabilities and market reach.
Provides training and handholding support to farmers and helps organize farmers into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Integrates Makhana farming with government schemes.
Supports branding, marketing, & infrastructure development under One District One Product scheme.

Makhananomics: Bihar’s Makhana Push

Why Makhana?: Bihar produces more than 80% of India’s makhana; Mithila Makhana GI tag (2022); market projected to grow from $43.56M (2023) to $100M (2033).
Challenges: Low processing & export infra (Punjab dominates in export); low yield (1.7-1.9 t/ha vs. 3-3.5 t/ha potential); middlemen exploitation & unorganised market.
Makhana Board Impact: ₹100 Cr investment for processing, exports, market linkages; HYV seed adoption, FPOs for better pricing; new cargo infra in Patna, Darbhanga, Purnea.
Economic & Political Significance: Supports 10L families, esp. Mallah community; electoral impact in Bihar; aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat & agri-growth.
Way Forward: MSP for makhana, processing hubs, cooperative models, direct exports, and branding.

Economic and Political Implications

Economic Boost: Strengthening the food processing industry in Bihar can create jobs and improve farmers’ income.
Market Expansion: Global Makhana market, valued at $43.56 million in 2023, expected to reach $100 million by 2033 (CAGR 8.31%).
Political Impact: Supports Mallah (fishermen) community, which is heavily involved in Makhana farming, ahead of Bihar elections.

Impact of Government Initiatives on Makhana Production and Rural Livelihoods

Enhanced Farmer Income and Employment: Government support has made Makhana farming more profitable, creating jobs in cultivation and processing.
Women Empowerment: Women’s involvement in Makhana processing and skill programs has boosted their financial independence.
Reduction in Seasonal Migration: Increased local employment in Makhana farming has reduced rural-to-urban migration.
Strengthening of Farmer Cooperatives and FPOs: The formation of FPOs and cooperatives has improved bargaining power, ensuring fair prices.
Crop Diversification and Sustainable Agriculture: Makhana’s low water requirement and integration with fish farming enhance sustainability and productivity.
Growth of Agro-Processing Industries: Support for processing units and cold storage has boosted Makhana-based industries and job creation.
Contribution to India’s Agricultural Exports: GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has increased India’s global market share and export value.
Future Opportunities and Export Challenges: Infrastructure gaps and processing limitations hinder exports, but government initiatives can enhance global competitiveness.

Way Forward

Strengthening Research and Development: Develop high-yield, climate-resilient Makhana varieties and improve mechanisation in harvesting and processing to reduce labor dependency.
Expanding Domestic and International Markets: Promote Makhana-based startups, support food processing industries, and strengthen export facilitation through APEDA and global trade partnerships.
Ensuring Price Stability for Farmers: Implement Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Makhana and strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to improve market access and bargaining power.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Logistics: Invest in modern processing units, packaging, and cold storage facilities while improving transportation networks to expand global reach.
Maximizing the Benefits of GI Tag: Expand registration of genuine Makhana producers under the GI-tag system, ensuring small farmers in key regions like Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Sitamarhi benefit from its premium market value.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Makhana as a “superfood” he consumes “at least 300 out of 365 days,” emphasising its potential. With sustained research, infrastructure, and branding, India can emerge as a global leader, boosting farmer incomes and rural livelihoods.

Reference: The Hindu | The Indian Express | PMF IAS: Makhana

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 89

Q. Makhana farming is crucial for India’s agro-processing industry and rural livelihoods. Examine its significance and suggest measures to enhance production efficiency. (15 Marks) (250 Words)

Approach

Introduction: Briefly introduce Makhana as a traditional crop with high nutritional and economic value.
Body: In the body, mention the significance of Makhana farming and the challenges associated with it. Also, mention the Govt. initiatives for Makhana production.
Conclusion: Conclude appropriately by highlighting the need of a balanced approach.