Author: Bihar Say | Amrita |

From Pond to Global Stage: How Rajiv Ranjan from Darbhanga Made Makhana Bihar’s Global Brand

“गांव से निकला एक सपना, अब बना है अंतरराष्ट्रीय पहचान।”
A quiet revolution began in the heart of Mithila—not in a lab or city, but in the ponds of Darbhanga. One man’s decision changed the course of makhana farming for thousands of families.

Rajiv Ranjan, the founder of Manigachimidas FPC

Rajiv Ranjan, a Computer Science engineer, graduated in 2013 and started his tech career in Texas, USA. He worked on international projects and lived the urban dream.

However, something felt missing.

He chose to return to Darbhanga, Bihar, leaving behind a stable job, because he believed real impact lies in solving grassroots problems. Instead of climbing the corporate ladder, he decided to stand with farmers who grew makhana—a crop with global value, yet local neglect.

What is Manigachimidas FPC, and what does it do?

In September 2023, Rajiv founded Manigachimidas Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Manigachi, Darbhanga, with support from JS Maninder Kaur of the Ministry of Agriculture. This wasn’t just a startup—it became a platform for transforming farmer livelihoods.

Here’s what it offers:

• Supplies quality makhana seeds directly to farmers

• Trains them in modern pond and crop management

• Processes makhana into 17 branded food products

• Connects farmers to national and international markets

• Supports rural women and youth through local production units

As a result, over 2,700 farmers have joined the FPC. Moreover, 853 have registered as shareholders within the first year.

How did Rajiv Ranjan take makhana to the G20 Summit in 2023?

In December 2022, Rajiv sent an email to the Ministry of Commerce proposing to include makhana in the G20 Summit India 2023. Despite eight rejections, he didn’t stop pushing.

Eventually, with the help of Colonel Vivek Arya and Colonel Ritesh Kumar, his proposal succeeded. On 24 August 2023, makhana replaced cashew nuts on G20 dining tables.

This historic move gave makhana global visibility for the first time. The Ministry of External Affairs awarded Rajiv an Appreciation Letter—a moment that validated his years of work.

What awards has Rajiv Ranjan received?

Rajiv’s consistent efforts and innovative thinking have brought him national recognition. Here are some of his key milestones:

• In 2024, ICAR (Ministry of Agriculture) honored him with the Entrepreneur Award

• 20 makhana farmers, trained under his FPC, attended Republic Day as special guests

• The Indian Parliament passed a proposal for a Makhana Tea Party

• The Prime Minister’s Office selected makhana as a gift to Mauritius

• Makhana featured at World Food India 2023 and 2024, and will be at Aahar 2025

He also became a stakeholder member in the FPO Policy Draft Committee and the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Balance Community.

How is makhana farming changing lives in Bihar?

Earlier, farmers sold raw makhana for just ₹280 per kg. Today, they earn up to ₹1,200 per kg, thanks to processing, packaging, and direct market access.

Rajiv’s collaborations with institutions like:

• ICAR New Delhi

• NRC Makhana Darbhanga

• CIPHET Ludhiana

• ATMA Darbhanga

…helped build scientific farming models. Women’s self-help groups now run their own units. Youth, once migrating for jobs, are staying back to lead agro-enterprises.

What is Rajiv Ranjan’s long-term vision?

Rajiv dreams of connecting 5 lakh farmers and workers through Manigachimidas FPC. He envisions it becoming the world’s most successful farm-based startup model.

He says, “It’s not just about selling makhana. It’s about restoring dignity to farmers and proving that Bihar can lead globally in agriculture.”

Why does this matter for Bihar?

Rajiv’s story is not about individual success. It’s about collective upliftment. It shows what happens when someone refuses to accept things as they are—and decides to build something better.

From the ponds of Manigachi to the plates of G20 delegates, makhana now represents Bihar’s resilience, innovation, and leadership.

📢 Want more stories like this?
Read more such inspirational journeys at 👉 www.biharsay.com
Join our growing community of 12K+ changemakers celebrating Bihar’s rise, one startup at a time.