News Capsule: India’s Makhana Production Rises to 80,590 Tonnes, Bihar Leads Production
19-Aug-2026 01:04 PM
News Capsule: India’s Makhana Production Rises to 80,590 Tonnes, Bihar Leads Production
★ Makhana, also known as fox nut, is emerging as a major agricultural and food product in India. Rising awareness of its nutritional and health benefits has boosted both domestic and global demand. India is the world’s largest makhana producer, accounting for around 80–85% of global supply. Bihar contributes nearly three-fourths of India’s total production.
★ The Union Budget 2025-26 announced the establishment of a National Makhana Board, which was formally launched in Bihar on September 15, 2025. The government is supporting research, processing, branding, exports and farmers through a central-sector scheme with an allocation of ₹476.03 crore.
★ India’s makhana production increased from 63,910 tonnes in 2024-25 to 80,590 tonnes in the second advance estimate for 2025-26. Average productivity also improved from 2.03 tonnes per hectare to 2.34 tonnes per hectare. Bihar produced around 60,000 tonnes in 2025-26, with average productivity at 2 tonnes per hectare.
★ Makhana exports have also recorded strong growth, rising from 7,260 tonnes in 2020 to 25,130 tonnes in 2024. India now produces more than 60,000 tonnes of makhana annually, with around 40%, or 23,000–25,000 tonnes, exported to overseas markets.
★ Growing demand for makhana as a healthy and premium snack is creating better income opportunities for farmers. The National Makhana Board, along with improved processing, branding and export infrastructure, could further strengthen India’s position in the global makhana market and boost agricultural exports.