India’s Makhana Sector: Traditional Crop to Global Superfood

Makhana (Euryale ferox), an aquatic crop, has transformed from a traditional food in Bihar into a globally consumed health superfood. India is the world's largest producer of makhana, with Bihar accounting for nearly three-fourths of national production and 80–85% of global supply. To modernize and strengthen the makhana value chain, the government launched the National Makhana Board and approved a Central Sector Scheme for Makhana development with an outlay of ₹476.03 crore for 2025–26 to 2030–31. The sector exhibits strong domestic consumption and export potential, backed by specialized institutions such as the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM) and a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mithila Makhana.