Makhananomics

Syllabus: GS3/Economy 

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the newly launched National Makhana Board as a transformative “revolution” for the sector.

Makhana

• It  is the dried edible seed of the prickly water lily or gorgon plant (Euryale ferox), a species which grows in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia. 
• It is known for its violet and white flowers, and massive, round and prickly leaves — often stretching more than a meter across.
• Makhana, traditionally consumed in ritual settings, has recently gained recognition as a nutrient-rich, low-fat “superfood” and healthy snack.

Production areas 

• Bihar is the leading producer of makhana in India, with cultivation concentrated in nine districts of the Mithilanchal region—particularly Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar, which account for 80% of the state’s output. 
• Around 15,000 hectares are used for makhana farming, yielding approximately 10,000 tonnes of popped makhana annually.
• The global makhana market was valued at $43.56 million in 2023, and expected to touch the $100 million-mark by 2033.

Issues and Concerns 

• Bihar, despite being the top makhana producer, lacks food processing and export infrastructure, forcing it to sell raw fox nuts cheaply to other states like Punjab and Assam, which dominate exports. 
• Poor market organization and multiple intermediaries result in low earnings for farmers and the state. 
• Additionally, makhana cultivation remains labor-intensive and low in productivity, raising input costs.

Government initiatives 

• The government is promoting its commercial potential through marketing efforts, improved industrial infrastructure, and the formation of the Makhana Board.
• In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ was conferred a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a certification that signifies that a product can only be grown in a particular geographical location, and as a result, has unique characteristics (like Darjeeling’s tea or Mysore sandal soap).

Way Ahead 

• Makhananomics envisions rural empowerment, economic growth, and regional development. 
• With better infrastructure, supportive policies, and improved market access, Bihar’s makhana sector could transform from a subsistence crop into a globally recognized superfood industry.

Source:IE