| Summary: Makhana, the humble lotus seed from Bihar, has transformed into a global superfood loved by fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Discover its fascinating journey – from Mithila’s ponds and temple rituals to modern packaging, celebrity endorsements, and billion-rupee exports. |
I would like to start with the famous folk song of Mithila:
“पग पग पोखड़ि माछ मखान
मुँह में दबउने खिल्ली पान
मधुर बोल चौबनिया मुस्कान
ऐह तs भेल मिथिला-मैथिलक पहिचान।“
From Temple Offering to Global Snack
Once a staple in Bihar’s festive bowls and temple offerings, Makhana (fox nut or lotus seed) has come a long way.
Today, it graces supermarket shelves in New York, London, and Dubai, marketed as popped lotus seeds or vegan popcorn.
What sparked this transformation? A blend of ancient nutrition, global health trends, and India’s evolving superfood industry.
The Origin: Bihar’s Gift to the World
The story of Makhana begins in the still waters of Mithilanchal, North Bihar, particularly in Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Saharsa districts.
- Bihar produces over 85% of the world’s Makhana.
- Cultivated using the traditional Phad system, a centuries-old water-farming method.
- In 2022, Bihar Makhana earned the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, cementing its authenticity.
| Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of Makhana Board in Bihar in the Union Budget 2025. |
Behind every handful of these puffed white pearls lies the dedication of thousands of Maithil farmers, who harvest, dry, and roast them through an intricate process passed down for generations.
The Science Behind the Snack
Here’s what 100 grams of roasted Makhana offers:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 347 kcal |
| Protein | 9.7 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 76.9 g |
| Fiber | 14.5 g |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Magnesium | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 500 mg |
Yes, Makhana is:
- Gluten-free
- Low in sodium and fat
- Rich in antioxidants & micronutrients
No wonder it’s become a favourite of diabetics, athletes, and weight-watchers.
Health Benefits: Why Makhana Deserves Its Superfood Tag
- Aids Weight Management: High fiber + low calorie = longer satiety and reduced overeating.
- Supports Heart Health: Magnesium and potassium maintain blood pressure, while low sodium reduces strain on the heart.
- Anti-Ageing & Antioxidant Rich: Contains flavonoids and kaempferol that combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Ayurvedic Benefits: In Ayurveda, Makhana enhances Ojas (vital energy) and balances Vata and Pitta, supporting fertility and better sleep.
- Diabetic-Friendly Snack: Low glycemic index ensures steady blood sugar levels.
From Bihar to the World: The Global Boom
In the past decade, Makhana has gained global fame as a clean, plant-based snack.
Export Snapshot:
- Export destinations: USA, UK, Japan, Australia, UAE
- Export growth: ₹160 crore (2017) → ₹500+ crore (2025)
- Key production hubs: Bihar, West Bengal, Assam
Abroad, it’s rebranded as “Popped Lotus Seeds”, “Vegan Popcorn”, or “Protein Pops” — appealing to health-conscious consumers and vegan snackers alike.
Popular Indian Brands Leading the Way:
- Too Yumm
- Sattviko
- Happilo
- NuttyFox
- The Makhana Co.
These brands have turned a humble local produce into a premium superfood segment with modern packaging and global marketing.
Celebrity & Fitness Craze
From Kareena Kapoor Khan’s diet to Virat Kohli’s snack bowl, Makhana has found a place in elite fitness routines.
Even international wellness influencers call it “the new quinoa” — a vegan, protein-rich, light-energy snack perfect for post-workout recovery.
“Makhana gives sustained energy without bloating—perfect for post-workout recovery,”
— Rujuta Diwekar, Nutrition Expert
The Business of Makhana: Rural Roots, Global Reach
The Makhana revolution has created a thriving startup ecosystem:
- Rural cooperatives and farmer clusters are being formalized under PMFME.
- E-commerce Makhana sales grew 300% between 2020-2025.
- Big FMCG names like ITC, Haldiram’s, and Patanjali are now entering the Makhana segment.
Investment Insight:
Makhana is no longer just a crop, it’s an investment opportunity blending wellness trends with rural entrepreneurship.
Challenges That Need Attention
Despite the boom, the Makhana industry faces real challenges:
- Manual labor dependence and lack of mechanization slow production.
- Price fluctuation due to seasonal yield variations.
- Limited cold storage and processing units in Bihar.
However, government and private collaborations are beginning to modernize Makhana farming through better seed quality, mechanized roasting, and digital supply chains.
The government, through schemes like PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises), is working to modernize this traditional trade.
Makhana & Make in India: A Symbol of Rural Empowerment
Makhana perfectly symbolizes Atmanirbhar Bharat:
- Traditional knowledge meets innovation
- Rural employment meets global demand
- Local heritage becomes international brand value
Every pack of Makhana bought abroad tells a story — of Indian farmers, traditional wisdom, and sustainable growth.
The Lotus Blooms Beyond the Pond
From the ponds of Mithila to the shelves of California, Makhana’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and rising global respect.
As the world searches for sustainable, plant-based nutrition, this ancient Indian seed is emerging as a flagbearer of the superfood revolution.
Makhana isn’t just a snack anymore – it’s a movement.