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