Bihar’s Makhana Potential

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Why in News ?

Bihar — India’s poorest state by per capita income — contributes 90% of India’s makhana (fox nut) output, and India itself produces ~90% of the world’s supply.
Despite this dominance, Bihar’s makhana sector remains under-scaled, low in export share, and value distribution is skewed away from producers.
The discussion has gained attention after GI tagging of “Mithila Makhana” (2022) and rising global demand for gluten-free superfoods.

Relevance

GS-1 (Geography & Society):

Agrarian livelihoods in eastern India, esp. wetland ecosystems of North Bihar (Mithila).
Socio-economic role of Mallah community in traditional occupations.

GS-3 (Economy & Agriculture):

Botanical name: Euryale ferox (fox nut or gorgon nut).
Nature: Aquatic crop cultivated in stagnant ponds and wetlands.
Cultural significance: Used in traditional Indian diets and Ayurveda.
Main growing regions in Bihar: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Katihar, Purnia.

Bihar’s share in India’s makhana: ~90%.
India’s share in global output: ~90%.
Global market value (2024): ~$100 million; projected to grow to $250–300 million by 2030 (IMARC estimate).
Employment base: Over 5 lakh farmers, primarily from the Mallah community.

Lack of Scale:
1. Despite being the largest producer, Bihar lacks export-scale production and quality infrastructure.
2. Domestic and global demand far exceeds current quality-adjusted supply.
Value Distribution Gap (GVC Problem):
1. Like African cocoa producers who get <$10 billion from a $150 billion chocolate industry, Bihar’s farmers capture a small share of makhana’s total value.
2. High-value post-production and export activities occur in other States — Punjab and Assam dominate processing and packaging.
Technological and Quality Deficits:
1. Traditional pond-based methods limit yield and uniformity.
2. Field-based cultivation and mechanised popping technologies can improve quality and consistency.
Data and Trade Recognition Gaps:
1. Until 2022, makhana lacked a unique HS trade code — it was clubbed with other nuts, obscuring export data.
Non-Price Barriers:
1. Limited food safety certification, packaging quality, and traceability restrict export potential.
2. Absence of independent certification and branding for quality assurance.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag (2022):
1. Mithila Makhana GI tag can boost brand identity and price premium, similar to Darjeeling tea or Basmati rice.
2. Real benefit depends on traceable value chain enforcement and export branding.
Technological Upgradation:
1. Move from pond- to field-based systems (reduces crop duration by 25–30%).
2. Encourage transplanting method instead of traditional podcasting for higher yields.
3. Introduce improved seed varieties for better popping quality.
Value Addition and Diversification:
1. Develop nutraceutical, cosmetic, and medicinal applications beyond snack form.
2. Promote ready-to-eat and flavoured makhana, targeting global health markets.
Inclusive Supply Chain Development:
1. Integrate the Mallah community through cooperatives or FPOs for fair income distribution.
2. Encourage public-private partnerships in post-harvest infrastructure.

Export and trade policy: Integrate makhana into India’s Agricultural Export Policy (AEP) under niche superfoods.
Infrastructure: Develop processing clusters under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.
Research: Strengthen ICAR–RCER (Patna) initiatives on makhana productivity and mechanisation.
Sustainability: Promote water-efficient cultivation and climate-resilient varieties to counter pond drying and erratic monsoon.