Makhana: India’s Global Superfood
From the wetlands of Bihar to health-food shelves across the world
Makhana, popularly known as Fox Nut or Gorgon Nut, is the popped seed of Euryale ferox, an aquatic plant traditionally cultivated in the wetlands of India. Once associated mainly with fasting foods and traditional Indian cuisine, makhana is now emerging as a premium healthy snack and global superfood.
Its appeal comes from its light, crunchy texture and its positioning as a plant-based, gluten-free and better-for-you snack. Growing consumer interest in healthy snacking, clean-label foods and plant-based products is creating new opportunities for Indian exporters.
India: The Global Leader
India is the world’s largest producer of makhana, supplying approximately 80–85% of global demand, with Bihar alone contributing nearly three-fourths of India’s production and around 80–85% of global supply.
North Bihar is the heartland of makhana production. Important sourcing districts include Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Saharsa, Purnia, Katihar, Araria and Kishanganj.
The emergence of a dedicated HS classification for makhana from 2025 is also significant because it allows the product’s international trade to be tracked more accurately. Popped makhana is classified under HS 20081921, while makhana flour/powder is under HS 20081922 and other makhana-based products under HS 20081929.
A Market with Export Headroom
India’s makhana exports have expanded rapidly. APEDA data shows exports rising from about 6,700 MT in 2020 to 25,130 MT in 2024.
More recently, Government data reports 7,264.89 MT of makhana products exported during FY 2025–26, valued at approximately ₹192.96 crore, with exports reaching more than 20 international destinations.
The USA, Canada and UAE are currently major destinations. However, premium markets such as Germany, Australia and the UK offer an interesting opportunity for exporters seeking higher-value customers.
The biggest opportunity is not simply exporting more—it is exporting better: larger grades, better processing, attractive packaging, private-label products and flavoured/value-added makhana.
Sourcing Guide for a Merchant Exporter
A new exporter should preferably source processed and export-ready makhana from established processors rather than buying raw seeds and attempting processing independently.
Major sourcing belt
Bihar → Darbhanga → Madhubani → Supaul → Saharsa → Purnia → Katihar
Darbhanga and surrounding North Bihar districts are particularly important because of their established cultivation, processing and trading ecosystem.
Where Is the Bigger Opportunity?
For a merchant exporter, there are two broad routes:
- Bulk export:
Export plain, graded makhana to overseas importers, distributors and snack manufacturers. - Value-added export:
Export roasted, flavoured, seasoned, organic, private-label or retail-packed makhana.
The second route can offer better margins, but it also brings greater responsibility for food safety, labelling, formulation, packaging and destination-country compliance.
Export Opportunity
Makhana offers an unusual combination:
- India has the supply.
- The world has the demand.
- And the export market is still developing.
For a first-time merchant exporter, makhana can be attractive because it is a lightweight, shelf-stable, high-value food product compared with many fresh agricultural commodities. It does not require refrigerated shipping in its normal dried/popped form, can be sourced from established processors, and can be sold in multiple formats—from bulk B2B packs to branded retail and private-label products.
Most importantly, India already has a strong natural competitive advantage, while only a small proportion of the country’s makhana production is exported.
Makhana is not just another Indian snack. It as an India-dominated global product that is still waiting to be fully internationalized.
For a new merchant exporter, that combination—strong Indian sourcing + growing global health-food demand + multiple grades + value-addition possibilities + expanding export markets—makes Makhana a product worth serious consideration for a first export venture.