The story
Makhana grows in the ponds and wetlands of north Bihar's Mithila region, where Mallah families have long harvested the seeds by diving and popped them by hand. Rising demand as a healthy snack has brought processors, brands and exporters into the trade. Mithila Makhana is GI-registered, and a National Makhana Board was set up at Purnia in 2025.
In numbers
Bihar accounts for more than 90 percent of total makhana production in the country.
National Makhana Board — Operational Guidelines, Department of Agriculture (Horticulture), Government of Bihar · 2025Bihar produces 80–90% of India's makhana, sustaining about 10 lakh families engaged in cultivation and processing.
GST Rate Rationalisation: Expanding Opportunities for Bihar (PIB factsheet) · 2025
GI tag
- Mithila MakhanaApplication no. Application No. 696Registration details of Geographical Indications (state-wise register), IP India
Ways in for a newcomer
- Grading, roasting and packing units for branded makhana
- Flavoured makhana snacks for modern retail and export
- Mechanised popping to replace manual roasting
- Field-based makhana farming in low-lying land
Problems the cluster faces
- Hard, risky manual harvesting and popping
- Large share of value taken by traders outside Bihar
- Price swings and quality grading issues
Businesses to start here
Roasted Makhana Snacks →Fish Farming (Carp Pond) →Regional Speciality Products E-commerce Marketplace →