Makhana | Fox nut ,very famous with huge Health benefits :
India is the world's largest producer of fox nut also known as Makhana in India, , accounting for around 70-80% of global production, with Bihar being the hub, contributing over 80% of India's output. Makhana has a good global reach and it is being exported to the countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and UAE and it has a tremendous growing demand due to its immense health benefits and is a value superfood.
The Key foxnut (Makhana) production areas in the State of Bihar include Darbhanga is Known for significant Makhana production and home to the Makhana Research Centre. Madhubani is also a major Makhana-producing district with companies like Madhubani Makhana leading manufacturing and exports. Purnia, Sitamarhi, Saharsa and Katihar are other key Districts involved in Makhana cultivation. The other states in India which cultivate foxnut/Makhana are west Bengal, Manipur, Assam, Uttarpradesh, & Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian production in it has a strong global dominance as it produces around 50,000 to 60,000 metric tons annually, with Bihar contributing 80-90% of global production but some countries also produce it like Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Russia and Korea on small scale.
Most notable foxnut Manufacturers and Suppliers are Madhubani Makhana which is a leading manufacturer and global whole sale supplier. The top rated Indian foxnut suppier in Bihar offers roasted Makhana in unique flavors. Shakti Sudha Industries empowers thousands of farmers, aims to contribute 70-75% of global Makhana production.
It's Global Reach | Health benefits :
Makhana has a very good global reach and it is being exported to the countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and UAE and it has a tremendous growing demand due to its huge health benefits and being a value superfood.
Health benefits overall :
Makhana, also known as foxnut or lotus seeds, is a powerhouse of nutrition and a growing star in the global health food market with many health benefits which include :
★Rich in nutrients :
It is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
★Low in calories :
It Supports weight management and digestion.
★Superior to dry fruits :
It is more comparable or better than almonds and walnuts in nutritional value. It is mostly used in fasting and cuisine and is very popular in Indian religious ceremonies and as a snack.
★Ayurvedic significance :
It is valued in traditional medicine for its health properties. The key attributes of foxnut are that it is also a high fiber, low cholesterol, beneficial for digestive health.
It has a antioxidant properties as it supports overall well-being and it is consumed roasted, in sweets or as a crunchy snacks. It is also gluten free and suitable for various dietry needs.
★Market Demand :
Due to it's growing popularity and Increasing recognition as a superfood globally, huge market demand is emerging out globally and it is always in a great demand world wide.
Makahana has also other countless health benefits which include heart Health as has low sodium and high potassium that support blood pressure regulation, magnesium promotes heart muscle relaxation, weight Management due to low calories, high fiber keeps one can full, aiding weight loss, helps in digestion due to high fiber which improves bowel movements, reduces constipation, it also helps to control blood sugar level because of low glycemic index helps manage diabetes, helps to strengthen bones due to Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus support strong bones, preventing osteoporosis, it's Neuroprotective compounds enhance memory, concentration, helps to skin texture, kidney health.
Makkhana cultivation Process :
If would you like to know more about incorporating Makhana into your diet or its cultivation process, let's go back to the process of extracting Makhana (fox nuts or lotus seeds) from fields, drying, and shaping them into the final product involves several traditional and modern techniques like harvesting and it's extraction. The growing conditions of foxnuts starts in cultivated wetlands, ponds, and marshy areas, primarily in Bihar, India where manual harvesting is done by collecting seeds from mature lotus ponds often by hand, as the pods burst open. Then post harvesting starts by cleaning seeds to remove debris and impurities from it.
Then drying process starts by spreading out foxnuts in sunlight to reduce moisture and many producers adopt mechinical drying for better efficiency and hygeine. The importance of drying process is just to ensure its longer life and better popping quality. Lastly it's processing into final shape starts by roasting/popping and during this process, Makhana seeds are typically roasted or popped to make them crunchy and edible that enhances it's flavor and texture. Flavoring is often seasoned with spices, salt or other flavor for variety. Finally packaging of foxnut is being made in airtight containers for retail to maintain its freshness. It is worth while to mention here that quality control of foxnuts is ensured to meet its standards for taste, crunchness and purity.
The importance of foxnut in Day-to-Day life has gained a big momentum presently because of its nutritional value as it is rich in protein (9.7g), fiber (14.5g), calcium (60mg), magnesium (67mg), and iron (1.4mg) per 100g serving. It has many health benefits like it supports Supports weight management, heart health, diabetes control, digestion, and skin health due to antioxidants. The culinary use of Makhana is also popular among people because of versatile ingredient in snacks, curries, desserts, popular in fasting foods during Navratri and Diwali. It has now assumed a cultural significance because it is being used as a part of Prasad in temples; symbolizes purity and good fortune.
We can firmly say that it has a big economic impact also because it has become now major livelihood source for farmers in Bihar, supporting rural employment.
Initiatives and Recognition :
*Makhana Board* :
It was announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to boost it's production, processing, and marketing.
*GI Tag* :
"Mithila Makhana" received Geographical Indication tag in 2022.
*ODOP Scheme* :
Recognized under One District One Product for Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur.
*Antioxidant * :
It's rich extracts are explored for anti-aging skincare.
Makahana has also many other countless health benefits which include heart Health as has low sodium and high potassium that support blood pressure regulation; magnesium promotes heart muscle relaxation, weight Management due to low calories, high fiber keeps one can full, aiding weight loss, helps in digestion due to high fiber which improves bowel movements, reduces constipation, it also helps to control blood sugar level because of low glycemic index helps manage diabetes, helps to strengthen bones due to Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus support strong bones, preventing osteoporosis, it's Neuroprotective compounds enhance memory, concentration, helps to skin texture, kidney health.
Conclude :
The other notable Producers of Makhana in India are Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, Odhisha, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh which also contribute to India's Makhana Production but Bihar's dominance is underscored by initiatives like the *Makhana Board* announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, aiming to boost production, processing, and exports. *Mithila Makhana* received a GI tag in 2022, highlighting its premium quality.
It important to suggest here that in order to boost Makhana production for export, several key areas need attention. Improving Production Techniques is crucial, focusing on high-yield seed varieties and modern farming methods to increase productivity from current 1.7-1.9 tonnes/ha to 3-3.5 tonnes/ha. Infrastructure Development is vital, including export hubs, processing units, and cold storage facilities near production areas like Bihar. Value Addition* through processing and packaging can enhance export competitiveness. Market Access can be expanded via electronic platforms like e-NAM and partnerships with international distributors. Quality Control and certifications (FSSAI, HACCP) ensure global standards are met. Government Support like the newly established Makhana Board with ₹100 crore funding, will drive these initiatives, benefiting over 5 lakh farmers in Bihar.
2 Comments
Highly nutritive and valuable information about makhana
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