Makhana, also referred to as fox nuts, is becoming a recognized nutrient-rich food globally. This growing popularity of Makhana is exposing business opportunities either as a food startup or by exporting. Recently Nikhil Kamath, founder of Zerodha, has predicted a ₹6,000 crore Makhana future. Even the Union Finance Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman has taken a bold step toward its growing demand globally.
Let’s find out, Nirmala Sitaran’s steps toward Makhan in the 2025 budget, Why Makhana is getting global recognition, what business tycoons take on Makhana’s popularity, businesses making millions of dollars, and India is the main source of Makhana, generating 90% of the global.
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Nirmala Sitharaman A Bold Step Toward Makhana’s Popularity.
Makhana also referred to as Fox Nuts or Lotus Seed, has become a popular choice for healthy snacks in recent times. Watching its recognition and rise of popularity in the global market, Government and Business personalities have started to tap this market.
In The Union Budget 2025-2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has declared the creation of the Makhana Board in Bihar, aimed at enhancing the production and processing the foxnuts. This initiative seems to boost production, streamline processing, enhance value addition, and strengthen market strategies.
Makhana: Globally Recognized as Nutrient-Rich Superfood.
Fox nut is gaining popularity as a healthy snack, due to its rich proteins. According to Nutritionist Geetika Bajaj, “Makhana has been used for centuries as a snack and is packed with numerous health benefits. It is rich in protein and fiber while being low in fat. A 100-gram serving of makhana provides around 347 calories of energy. These seeds are an excellent source of calcium and also contain significant amounts of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.”
According to a Hindustan Times report, Nutritionist Geetika explains 10 incredible benefits of Makhana, 1. Good for skin, 2. High in fiber, 3. Good for heart health, 4. Improve kidney health, 5. Good for nerves, 6. Low glycaemic index, 7. Gluten-free, 8. Helps overcome infertility, 9. Flushes toxins, 10. Helps regulate blood sugar“.
India’s Bihar produces 90% of the World’s Fox Nuts.
Though it’s gaining global recognition as a nutrient-rich superfood, most makhanas come from India, giving India a new opportunity. India produces 90% of Global Makhana’s, where only one state is responsible for this contribution, that is Bihar.
Believe it or not, Bihar’s flood-indulged regions, once considered a farming challenge, have now become a subject of advantage, giving makhana a high-yield alternative to traditional crops. This region of Bihar gave India a gift of 90% production of the world’s Fox nuts. This crop boosted farmers’ income by nearly threefold compared to rice cultivation.
Experts Predict Billion Doller Business Scope in Makhana.
Its global recognition and health benefits have attracted entrepreneurs to build a sustainable brand in the snack market. Entrepreneurs have been seen giving their statements, and predicting the future scope of the Makhana sector.
Founder and CEO of Zerodha, Nikhil Kamath, predicted the sector’s potential to be billion dollars. He wrote on X highlighting the upcoming demand and potential, “Maybe room here to build a really large brand, an Indian brand that sells to the world. Personally, I’m hooked on Makhana.”
Businesses Generating Million Dollars From Fox Nuts.
Fox-Nut, as a healthy snack option, paved businesses to generate millions of dollars. Several Indian and international brands emerged selling Makhana as a Snack in their unique way and strategy. With this spread of Fox-nut’s recognition, several other brands are expected to emerge.
According to the Business Today report, Mr. Makhana, a Fox-nut brand generates ₹50-₹60 Lakh per month; Farmley, a recognized brand, secured $6.7 million in funding to expand operations; and Shakti Sudha Makhana is projected to grow from ₹50 crore to ₹1,000 crore by 2024.
