What it is
Seeds of an aquatic plant harvested from ponds in north Bihar, roasted and popped into white puffs. Sold plain, roasted-flavoured and as flour.
Popped makhana by size (sutta / lawa grades)Mithila Makhana (GI tag)
Where India produces it
Where imports come from
India is the world's largest producer; it exported 7,264.89 MT of makhana products in 2025-26.
Rules before you buy or sell
- FSSAI licence or registration is needed to process, pack, store or sell it as food (Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006).
- Retail packs must carry Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 declarations.
- A National Makhana Board was launched in Bihar on 15 September 2025 to support farmers and processors.
Storage and handling
Popped makhana absorbs moisture; pack in airtight, nitrogen-flushed or laminated packs.