Why is Makhana a super food and governments special focus to
encourage the industry?
Traditionally, cultivated in the hinterland of India, Makhana has gained huge popularity
across the globe due to its diverse health benefits. Grown in Tropical regions, Makhana is
packed with the goodness of minerals and nutrients like Calcium, protein, magnesium,
potassium. There has been a paradigm shift in the demand of Makhana or Fox nuts in
China, Korea, Thailand, Europe and U.S.
Due to urbanisation in developing countries like India, people are more health conscious
and have more disposable income. This has increase in usage of Makhana seeds and
Makhana in the daily diets of consumers. Across the world, Makhana seeds and Makhana
are replacing high calories, sugary, fried snacks. In fact, Fox nuts are becoming the
preferred choice of consumers as compared to expensive nuts like almonds, cashews,
sunflower seeds, dried berries etc.
Global Usage of Makhana:
Makhana seeds and Makhana are used by different countries in different ways. Some
prefer Makhana seeds, some prefer uncooked Makhana pops and some prefer cooking
Makhana as main course, desserts etc. The usage pattern is very different in Asia as
opposed to Europe and U.S.
The global market of Makhana seeds and Makhana pops is estimated at USD 35 million
approximately. Asia Pacific accounts for 85 % of the global market of Makhana and
Makhana seeds and is USD 30 million Industry.
India: Mostly cultivated in Bihar, Makhana is extremely popular in India. Hundreds of
years ago, Makhana was cultivated in Madhubani region of Bihar. Bihar accounts for 90%
of the global production of Makhana. Madhubani has been awarded the prestigious GI Tag
which has given it a free hand to export Makhana seeds and Makhana flakes to the rest of
the world. Traditionally, Makhana is used for religious purposes in India. Makhana is
offered to deities and are also used to make garlands for Gods and Goddesses. In urban
India, Makhana is used as a healthy snack. Also, used in making curries, Makhana
parathas, Makhana kheer, consumers are experimenting with new recipes. In North
Eastern State of Manipur, it is known as thamchet and lotus seeds are eaten raw.
Ayurvedic medicines in India use Makhana seeds and Makhana flakes. Low in sodium,
sugar, Makhana usage in Ayurvedic medicines helps in fighting many diseases like heart
attacks, diabetes, hypertension and removing toxins. It helps in balancing ‘Vatta’ and
‘Pitta’ in the body. Makhana Seeds powder is generally taken with Ashwagandha powder,
Yashtimadhu, Vidarikand for better effects. In Ayurveda, Makhana helps in increasing and
improving sperm counts and helps in male fertility.
China and Japan: The consumption usage and pattern of Makhana seeds and Makhana
flakes are very similar in China and Japan. Both the countries call Makhana as a vegetable
and regularly eat roots called as Rhizomes. They also eat the stem and the leaves of the
plant. Leaves of Makhana plant are used to make spicy dishes and also tea.
Chinese Medicines highly use Lotus seeds as an ingredient. Largely cultivated in the
islands of Hainan and Taiwan, Makhana are essentials for Chinese medicines due to its
innumerable health benefits. It is believed in Chinese medicines, Makhana seeds help in
respiratory diseases, indigestion, strokes, erectile dysfunction, arthritis etc. Makhana
seed powder is also used in production of Baby food in China. In Japan and China, the
paste of Makhana seeds are used in Making delicious Pastries and cakes.
Overnight soaked dried Makhana seeds are used for cooking nutritious soups and congee.
They are used in making many other dishes as well. One of the most famous snacks in
China is the crystallised lotus seeds that are cooked in syrup and are specially cooked
during the Chinese New Year.
Thailand: Like China and Japan, dried Lotus seeds are very famous snacks in Thailand.
In Thailand it is called Med-bua-op.
United Kingdom: A few Manufacturers have started distributing Makhana flakes and
seeds as snacks across the United Kingdom. Consumers are satisfied with the numerous
health benefits of this wonder nut. There has been a high demand of Makhana in U.K.
over the years.
Europe & The U.S.A.: A few decades ago, people in Europe and America were not aware
of Makhana seeds and Makhana flakes. It is in the recent past, that people have realised
the benefits of Makhana. This has led to a steep increase in the demand of Makhana seeds
and Flakes. With growing market demand in countries like Germany, Italy and France,
many exporters have found export opportunities in these regions. However, there is still a
huge untapped markets in U.S. and many countries of Europe. Belgium has shown
interest in Makhana by interacting with the Bihar Government and exploring the
opportunities for export in their city.
Colombia: Colombia is also a big market for dried lotus seeds that are directly
consumed from the local markets and are eaten raw. They are mostly available in
Barranquilla and Cartagena. In colombia they are called ‘Martello’.
Fox Nuts (Makhana) Market Size
The global Fox Nuts (Makhana) market is projected to grow from US$ 120 million in 2024
to US$ 192.6 million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2% during
the forecast period.
Demand trends:
• Health-conscious markets: The USA, UK, and Canada have seen a surge in
demand for makhana.
• Innovative products: International brands are creating makhana-based
cereals, protein bars, and milk.
• Plant-based and gluten-free foods: There is a rapid growth in the market for
these foods in North America and the Asia Pacific.
Market size
• The global makhana market was valued at USD 50 million in 2021.
• It is expected to reach USD 0.22 billion by 2032, growing at a compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8.2% from 2024 to 2032.
Regional demand
• North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global
revenue in 2024.
• Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue in
2024.
• Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue in 2024.
Top exporting countries
• India is the largest producer of makhana. Other top exporting countries
include the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
How Indian government supports Makhana Industry:
India is prioritising food processing and agriculture investment with key
provisions for makhana cultivation announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.
Bihar produces 10,000 tonnes of makhana per annum, about 90 percent of India’s
makhana (fox nut) production, yet the state has struggled to fully capitalize
on the rising global demand for this superfood. The Union Budget 2025
announcement of a “Makhana Board” with a support of INR 1 Billion aims to
address these challenges by improving production, processing, value
addition, and marketing. The NRCM has trained thousands of farmers and entrepreneurs, driving regional industries and livelihoods. Makhana cultivation has expanded from approximately 13,000 to 35,000 hectares across multiple states. Over the years, 15,824.1 kg of high yielding makhana seeds have been distributed to farmers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and
organisations across various states. Significant beneficiaries include institutions like
NABARD, fisheries departments, Bihar Horticulture development society and farmers from
the region of Bihar, UP and CG.
The National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga, is a well-equipped facility
dedicated to Makhana research and innovation, supported by a skilled team of scientists.
Its key achievements include developing high-yield makhana and thornless water chestnut
varieties, introducing water-efficient and integrated farming systems, and launching
Makhana-cum-fish farming. The cultivation practices of Indian Lotus, medicinal plants
like Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) and Alocasia montana have also been established. Several
equipment/machines for Makhana popping and value-added products have been
developed and licensed to manufacturers for commercialization namely Makhana seed
washer, Makhana seed grader, Makhana seed primary roasting machine, Makhana seed
popping machine, Popped Makhana grader and various type of value-added products.
Between 2012 and 2023, NRCM trained over 3,000 farmers in advanced Makhana
cultivation, processing, and marketing techniques, focusing on water-efficient practices,
cropping systems, and nutrient management. Additionally, NRCM has assisted 24
enterprises, including Mithila Naturals, Maa Vaishnavi Makhana, and Swastik Food
Group, by providing technical inputs and fostering Makhana-based industries, further
boosting the agricultural economy
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