Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath believes makhana, a crop from Bihar could be India's next big global export: A look at its health benefits
superfood with immense potential. Deeply embedded in Indian traditions, this nutrient-rich crop is primarily cultivated in Bihar, which accounts for 90% of the world’s production. As Makhana transcends its cultural roots, it is emerging as a thriving industry with promising opportunities.
Budget with ET
What India Inc needs in Budget to drive growth amid global challenges
Space sector seeks PLI scheme, tax holidays, more use of satellite data
A game changing budget to revive India’s backbone — agriculture
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath expressed enthusiasm for Makhana’s growing popularity, stating on X, “Maybe room here to build a really large brand, an Indian brand that sells to the world. Personally, I’m hooked on Makhana.”
The flood-prone regions of Bihar have become a boon for Makhana cultivation, with farmers earning three times more than they would from rice. The plant thrives naturally in water bodies, and advancements such as the ‘Sabour Makhana-1’ variety have significantly increased productivity. This innovative strain has doubled yields and improved the edible seed ratio from 40% to 60%, transforming Makhana into a vital income source for thousands of farmers.
Over the past decade, the Makhana industry has witnessed remarkable growth, with production tripling during this period. However, the sector faces several challenges, including the labor-intensive nature of harvesting and strict export quality standards. Currently, only 2% of Makhana seeds meet global benchmarks. Despite these hurdles, government
