Bihar Hosts National Symposium To Elevate Makhana As Global Superfood

In a significant move to establish makhana as a globally recognised superfood and a driver of rural prosperity, the Bihar Agricultural Science Academy (BASA), in partnership with the Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), organised a National Symposium titled ‘Makhana: Unlocking India’s Aquatic Superfood for Rural Prosperity’ in Patna on Tuesday.

State Leadership Champions Makhana Promotion

Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, inaugurated the event.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to innovation-led agricultural development, particularly in sectors with both export potential and cultural relevance.

“Makhana is not only embedded in Bihar’s cultural and agricultural identity but is also a product of international appeal,” he said. “This symposium demonstrates our commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and adding value within the sector.”

Bihar Leads National Production

Bihar accounts for over 85 per cent of India’s makhana production, with cultivation concentrated in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar.

The state’s makhana industry generates trade revenues of nearly ₹600 crore annually.

Owing to its high protein content, low fat, and gluten-free profile, makhana is gaining increasing popularity worldwide as a nutritious snack aligning with the global shift towards healthy eating.

Experts Call For Sectoral Transformation

Former ICAR Director General, Dr Mangala Rai, described the symposium as ‘a platform to catalyse competencies and harness synergies’, emphasising Bihar’s growing momentum in the makhana ecosystem.

Despite its potential, the sector continues to face critical hurdles, including labour-intensive harvesting, high post-harvest losses, inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, and weak branding and export frameworks.

The absence of a specific Harmonised System (HS) code for makhana further impedes its global market access.

Strategic Roadmap For The Future

Dr PK Joshi, President of AERA, outlined a four-pronged strategy to unlock makhana’s full economic value. He urged stakeholders to:

1. Invest in innovation and mechanisation to raise productivity,
2. Modernise the value chain through advanced storage and processing,
3. Provide policy and institutional support to promote markets, and
4. Integrate makhana into nutrition and rural development programmes to scale both production and consumption.

Institutional Coordination And Policy Reform Needed

The symposium also spotlighted the newly formed Makhana Board, which is expected to play a pivotal role in harmonising policy efforts, setting standards, and opening global market pathways.

Experts compared its potential impact to that of India’s successful spice boards.

Speakers particularly highlighted the need for evidence-based policymaking, support for smallholder farmers, and gender-inclusive growth, recognising the role of women in the makhana value chain.

Consensus On Export-Oriented Superfood Strategy

Dr Shyam Narayan Jha, Founding President of BASA, stressed the importance of coordinated institutional action.

“The makhana sector holds vast potential to uplift rural communities. Collective, evidence-backed efforts are essential to scale its benefits,” he said.

The event concluded with a unified call to position makhana as a nationally significant, export-ready superfood that could enhance livelihoods while showcasing India’s agricultural and cultural heritage on the global stage.

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