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Makhana from Bihar: The Superfood You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now)

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Bihar produces 90% of the world’s makhana, now branded as a global superfood. Discover how startups like FrooteX are taking this ancient snack from ponds to pantries.

What if we told you that a humble seed from the ponds of Bihar is now one of the world’s most celebrated superfoods? Say hello to Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, which is no longer just a festival-time snack but a global wellness icon.


🌊 The Mithila Magic: Where It All Began

Bihar, especially the Mithilanchal region (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa), produces over 90% of the world’s makhana. Cultivated in stagnant water bodies and harvested manually, Mithila Makhana has been a part of Indian tradition for centuries.

In 2022, it received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, cementing its identity and origin.

💡 Fun Fact: Bihar has nearly 18,000 hectares of ponds dedicated to makhana farming. One hectare can yield around 1.5 to 2 tonnes of raw makhana seeds.


Why Makhana Is the Superfood of the Future

  • Gluten-free and low in fat

  • Rich in protein, calcium, iron, and antioxidants

  • Supports weight management, heart health, and anti-aging

  • Ideal for diabetics, fitness enthusiasts, and even fasting days

With the global health wave, Makhana from Bihar is now being exported to:

  • USA

  • Japan

  • Australia

  • UAE

  • Europe


📈 Makhana Export: Bihar’s Rising Star

  • India exported over 12,000 metric tonnes of makhana in 2023

  • Bihar contributed more than 85% of the total export volume

  • Makhana is listed under India’s APEDA-promoted niche exports

  • The Government has announced a Makhana Export Cluster in Darbhanga under the ODOP scheme (One District One Product)

  • Bihar’s makhana industry is valued at over ₹500 crore and growing rapidly with startups, SHGs, and cooperatives entering the space


🛒 How Frootex Is Rebranding Bihar’s Makhana

At FrooteX, we see makhana not just as a snack — but a legacy crop with global potential.

Our model includes: FrooteX helps you to

  • Partnering with Mithila-based farmers and cooperatives

  • Promoting chemical-free puffing and manual roasting

  • Introducing flavored variants (Himalayan salt, masala, peri-peri) for urban markets

  • Packaging in eco-friendly, resealable bags

  • Delivering across India's top metros and Tier 1 & 2 cities

Whether it’s your evening tea-time or post-workout munchies — our makhana is clean, crispy, and Bihari at heart.


🚀 Govt. of Bihar: Fueling the Makhana Mission

The Government of Bihar is going all-in:

  • Setting up Makhana Research Centre under Rajendra Agricultural University

  • Distributing solar dryers and puffing machines to local producers

  • Offering subsidies to women-led SHGs producing value-added makhana products

  • Promoting makhana through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Startup Bihar

The goal? Make Bihar the Makhana Capital of the World — and we’re already halfway there.


🧭 Why You Should Choose FrooteX Makhana

  • ✅ GI-tagged, authentic Mithila makhana

  • ✅ Farm-sourced and hygienically roasted

  • ✅ Healthy + Tasty = Perfect combo

  • ✅ Supports rural Bihar’s economy

“Bihar isn’t just producing makhana — it’s producing pride. And with FrooteX, you can get best Makhana at best rates.”


📦 Available Now at www.frootex.com