Makhana走向全球：加强印度出口优势的战略

Makhana (Euryale ferox) is emerging as a global superfood owingto its exceptional nutritional and medicinal value. India dominatesits production, accounting for 90% of the world’s supply, with thestate of Bihar alone contributing ~85–90% of the output. Asworldwide demand surges for plant-based, gluten-free, andwholesome snacks, this paradox presents an opportunity for Indiato transform makhana from a local delicacy into an internationalsuccess story. Thispuffed white kernel has longrepresentedthe culinary traditions ofIndia. Its unique nutritional profile, rich inprotein(all essential amino acids),vitamins, and minerals, and naturally lowin fat and sodium makes it a prized food.Health benefits for this food include a lowglycaemic load, which makes it almost aperfectfood for diabetics;anti-aging,cardioprotective,and digestive benefits;and antioxidant effects. Recent policy focus indicates India’s intenttoseize this opportunity.In the UnionBudget 2025, the government announcedthe establishment of a dedicated MakhanaBoard with an initial allocation of Rs. 100crore (US$ 11.69 million). This high-profiles u p p o r tu n d e r s c o r e s m a k h a n a ’ simportance as a potential growth driver inagriculturalexports,echoing a broadtrend of India leveraging niche traditionalproducts for global markets. The makhanastory exemplifies how smart innovationcan unlock export potential in India’s agri-food sector. T H EM I T H I L A M A K H A N AHEARTLAND Makhanais deeply rooted with theheritage of Bihar. This state produces mostof the country's makhana, especially in theMithila belt of North Bihar, where the cropthrives within the wetlands. More than 20districts in Bihar grow makhana, with ~10districts leading in the production. Pondcultivation is a practice in the traditional WHAT IS MAKHANA? Makhanais the popped kernel of theGorgonnut,an aquatic plant thatflourishes in stagnant water bodies such asponds and swamps. It is found in tropicaland subtropical regions of South and EastAsia with considerable presence in India,China,Nepal,and Japan,among whichIndiais still the largest producer.It issometimes,quite incorrectly,called"foxnut"or"lotus seed,"as the realbotanical identity of makhana is neitherthat of lotus nor of water lily. In Bihar,makhana is every so often referred to as"black diamond" due to its high value andthe difficulty associated with harvesting it. districtsof Darbhanga and Madhubani,whereas the newer ones such as Purnia andKatihar have greatly increased productionbyfield-based methods.Among thehighest in the state, in 2021-22, Purnia andKatihar produced ~5.2 and 4.9 thousandmet r i cto n s of p o pp e d m a k h a n arespectively. increasingly supplemented by man-madeshallow field ponds have cemented Bihar’sreputation as the makhana heartland ofthe world. PRODUCTIONOF MAKHANA ININDIA Indiais the world's biggest producer,contributing between 70 and 80% of thetotalproduction.More than 80%ofIndia's Makhana is produced in Bihar. Inaddition, Makhana is grown in its wildform in Russia, Bangladesh, China, Japan,Korea, and other nations. Today, over 80% of India’s total makhanasupplycomes from Bihar’s ponds andfields. This makes makhana a source ofstate pride and a livelihood for thousandsof farming families. The Mithila region’se x t e n s i v ew e t l a n d s y s t e m s ,now Bihar is the leading state in India in bothareaand production,with 12,000hectares and 96,000 metric tonnes (MT)ofproduction.Jharkhand follows with1,000hectares and 8,000 MT.UttarPradeshand other states contributeequally, each with 500 hectares and 4,000MT.Collectively,the total area undercultivation across these regions stands at15,000 hectares, producing 1,20,000 MT.This data underscores Bihar's dominantrole in overall cultivation and output. production in India happens in Bihar, thenorthernstate of the country.Thefollowing districts of Bihar make up asignificant portion of the total makhanaproduction in the state. wMadhubaniwDarbhangawSitamarhiwSaharsawKatiharwPurniawSupaulwKishanganjwAraria O ve r8 0 %of t he to t a l m a k h a n a Thetable above represents the totalMakhanaexport from India valued at25,130million metric tons.Also,thenumber of Indian makhana exporters are1,123, while the numbers of buyers are2,969. Indiais the world's top exporter ofmakhana, with most of its exports goingtothe US,Canada,and Australia,accordingto data from makhanaexporters. FROM LOCAL STAPLE TO GLOBALSUPERFOOD Thetop three nations that exportmakhana overseas are India at first with25,130 shipments, China stood at secondwith 238 shipments, and Pakistan at thirdwith 70 shipments. significance. Makhana has long been afood associated with religious fasting andpilgrimageconsumption,where it hasbeen enjoyed in its roasted form, as anutritious,ready-to-eat snack.In itsearlier days, makhana was a niche item Forcenturies,what is now termed asmakhana was enjoyed largely in India asafood of cultural and traditional confined to local markets, wit