New Delhi, Aug 19: India’s makhana market is projected to nearly double its scale and reach ₹11,000-12,000 crore by 2029-30, driven by rising domestic demand, higher prices, improving productivity and growing exports, according to an official factsheet.
The domestic makhana market grew at an annual rate of 17-18 per cent between 2021-22 and 2024-25, while average prices increased sharply from around ₹500 per kg in 2020-22 to nearly ₹1,250 per kg in 2025.
The price surge has been attributed to growing demand for health-focused snacks, premium branding and a limited supply response. In contrast, production volumes grew by only around 4-5 per cent between FY22 and FY25.
India produced 63,910 metric tonnes of makhana in 2024-25, with average productivity of 2.03 metric tonnes per hectare. The Second Advance Estimates for 2025-26 put production at 80,590 MT, with productivity rising to 2.34 MT per hectare.
Bihar remains the country’s leading makhana producer, with production estimated at 60,000 MT in 2025-26 and average productivity of around 2 MT per hectare.
Traditionally cultivated in ponds, makhana farming is increasingly adopting modern field-system cultivation and improved varieties such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1, helping raise productivity and reduce cultivation risks.
“The growth has been driven by an increase in cultivated area, improved productivity, and reduced cultivation risks,” the factsheet said.
India produces more than 0.6 lakh MT of makhana annually, of which around 40 per cent, or approximately 0.23-0.25 lakh MT, is exported, while the remainder is consumed domestically.
The sector is benefiting from growing global demand for clean-label, plant-based and health-focused foods, positioning makhana as a premium snack in international markets. Strong domestic consumption has also helped shield the sector from fluctuations in export markets.
Recognising the growing importance of the crop, the government announced the establishment of the National Makhana Board in the Union Budget 2025-26.
It has also approved a Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana with an outlay of ₹476.03 crore for the period from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
The scheme aims to promote research and innovation, improve access to quality seeds and strengthen farmers’ skills. It will also focus on better harvesting and post-harvest practices, value addition, branding, marketing, export promotion and quality control.
With Bihar accounting for the overwhelming share of national production and modern cultivation techniques gaining ground, makhana is emerging as an increasingly important crop in India’s agri-food economy and a potential ₹12,000-crore market by the end of the decade.
