Mithila Makhana Goes Global: Piyush Goyal Hails Bihar's Superfood Success
Union Minister Piyush Goyal hails Bihar's GI-tagged Mithila Makhana as a global superfood, highlighting exports and new government schemes.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has lauded the rising international popularity of Bihar's GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, stating that the product is winning hearts across the globe. Highlighting its status as a superfood, the Minister praised the nutritional value, versatility, and the distinct crunch that has made these fox nuts a favorite in international markets.
A Tribute to the Farmers of Bihar
Taking to social media, Piyush Goyal credited the global success of Mithila Makhana to the relentless hard work and dedication of the farmers. He emphasized that the government, in collaboration with the state leadership, is fully committed to ensuring that the local treasures of Bihar reach the widest possible global audience.
"Bihar’s GI-tagged Mithila Makhana is winning hearts worldwide with its exceptional nutritional benefits, delightful crunch and incredible versatility. Behind this global success is the tireless toil of our hardworking farmers," Goyal stated.
From Local Ponds to Global Plates
Makhana, known scientifically as Euryale ferox, is an aquatic crop cultivated in wetlands, lakes, and shallow ponds. The edible seeds are processed, roasted, and popped to create the popular snack known as fox nuts. While India is the world's largest producer of makhana—with cultivation primarily in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar—Bihar stands as the powerhouse of the industry, accounting for nearly 85 per cent of the country's total production.
Export Milestones and Market Reach
The appetite for this superfood is growing rapidly. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, India exported over 7,000 metric tonnes of makhana and its value-added variants to more than 20 international destinations during FY 2025-26. Key markets driving this growth include:
- The United States
- The Middle East
- Africa
This expansion is being fueled by a global shift toward health-conscious eating, the emergence of innovative startups creating value-added products, and the active role of Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Government Initiatives to Boost the Sector
To transform the makhana industry into a structured global business, the Indian government has introduced several strategic measures:
Distinct Trade Identification
Under the Finance Bill 2025, a separate Harmonised System (HS) code for makhana came into effect in July 2025. This provides the product with a distinct trade classification, simplifying international trade and tracking.
Institutional Support and Funding
The government has established the National Makhana Board, which was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and officially launched in Bihar on September 15, 2025. Furthermore, a Central Sector Scheme for the Development of Makhana has been approved with a massive total outlay of Rs 476.03 crore for the period between 2025-26 and 2030-31.
The financial roadmap for the initial years of this scheme includes:
- Rs 30 crore approved for 2025-26
- Rs 90 crore approved for 2026-27
Key Goals of the Development Scheme
The comprehensive scheme is designed to modernize the entire value chain, focusing on:
- Promoting research, innovation, and the availability of high-quality seeds.
- Enhancing the skills of farmers and upgrading harvesting and post-harvest techniques.
- Boosting branding, value addition, and expanding export channels.
- Implementing stringent quality control measures to maintain global standards.