The story
Bikaner's bhujia is made from moth bean flour and spices, and the dry desert air helps the snacks keep well. Family shops grew into brands that sell across India and abroad. Papad, mangori and rasgulla makers work alongside them, many as small home-based units.
In numbers
Food products such as papad, mangori, namkeen and rasgulla are localised in Bikaner district, with 842 registered MSME units employing 2,053 people (state profile 2015-16).
State Industrial Profile of Rajasthan 2015-16 (MSME-DI Jaipur, Ministry of MSME) · 2016
GI tag
- Bikaneri BhujiaApplication no. GI Application No. 142Registration details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Bikaner Kashidakari CraftApplication no. GI Application No. 750Registration details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Bikaner Usta Kala CraftApplication no. GI Application No. 753Registration details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Namkeen and papad units for regional brands
- Packaging and distribution
- Supplying moth bean flour and spices
- Online sale of GI-tagged bhujia
Problems the cluster faces
- Food safety licensing and labelling rules
- Competition from big snack brands
- Raw material price swings
Businesses to start here
Namkeen / Bhujia Unit →Papad Making →Masala / Spice Grinding Unit →Potato Chips and Wafers →