Bihar Gov Targets 30,000 Tonnes of Makhana Exports by 2030–31

Bihar’s Makhana Ambition: 30,000 Tonnes in Exports by 2030–31

What if the makhana grown in Bihar’s fields became a familiar sight on supermarket shelves across the world? The state now has an ambitious target to make that happen.

Bihar plans to export 30,000 metric tonnes of makhana by 2030–31. Through a five-year programme, the government wants to expand cultivation, improve processing and take GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to more international markets.

The opportunity extends beyond exports. If Bihar can build a stronger supply chain, farmers, processors, traders and local businesses could all benefit from the growing market for this traditional crop.

Bihar Plans to Double Makhana Cultivation by 2030–31

Under the Makhana Se Samriddhi Abhiyan, running from 2026–27 to 2030–31, the state aims to expand both cultivation and production.

According to the figures shared by the state government, Bihar plans to:

• Increase makhana cultivation from 41,000 hectares in 2025–26 to 82,000 hectares by 2030–31.

• Raise popped makhana production to 91,512 metric tonnes.

• Achieve annual makhana exports of 30,000 metric tonnes by 2030–31.

• Strengthen processing facilities, post-harvest infrastructure, research and development.

• Improve branding and expand access to international markets.

These targets show that Bihar wants to move beyond producing makhana and build a more complete industry around it.

However, doubling the cultivated area alone will not guarantee success. Farmers and businesses will also need reliable processing facilities, consistent quality, better market connections and efficient transport to reach buyers at home and abroad.

Why Bihar’s Makhana Industry Matters

Bihar holds a central position in India's makhana industry. Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the state accounts for approximately 80–85% of India's total makhana production.

That concentration gives Bihar a significant opportunity. With stronger infrastructure and better market access, the state could capture more value from the crop rather than relying mainly on raw production.

Makhana also offers scope for businesses beyond cultivation. Processing, packaging, quality testing, storage, branding and distribution can all support a wider commercial network.

As a result, the benefits could extend to small processors, traders, packaging businesses and other enterprises linked to the agricultural supply chain. The actual impact, however, will depend on how effectively the new investment reaches producers and businesses on the ground.

Government Allocates ₹89.79 Crore for Sector Development

To support the plan, the Bihar government has earmarked ₹89.79 crore under its 2026–27 annual action plan for makhana sector development.

The proposed support focuses on improving production and processing, strengthening infrastructure and expanding the market reach of Bihar's makhana products.

Importantly, processing capacity will play a major role in turning higher production into higher-value sales. Better post-harvest facilities can help the industry handle larger volumes, while stronger quality control and packaging can make products more competitive in export markets.

Nevertheless, the allocation is one part of a longer-term plan. Delivering the 2030–31 targets will require sustained implementation, effective market connections and continued investment over the coming years.

Mithila Makhana Reaches More International Markets

Bihar is already making efforts to expand the international presence of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana.

According to the state government, Indian makhana and value-added products reached more than 20 countries in 2025–26, generating export revenue of US$22 million.

The government also reported that consignments of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana reached the United States, Canada, Australia and Greece in 2026.

One notable shipment involved 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana dispatched by sea to Australia from the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) industrial area in Bihta.

These shipments offer a glimpse of what the industry could achieve with more reliable export channels. However, expanding international sales will require consistent quality, suitable packaging, dependable supply and the ability to meet destination-market requirements.

What the GI Tag Means for Mithila Makhana

A geographical indication, or GI, identifies a product associated with a particular geographical origin and its recognised qualities or reputation.

For Mithila Makhana, this recognition can help distinguish the product in a competitive market. It also gives Bihar a way to build its regional identity around a crop deeply connected with local agriculture and food traditions.

The state has set an ambitious goal under Bihar Vision 2030: one in every two packets of makhana consumed worldwide should carry the GI tag of Mithila Makhana.

That is a long-term ambition, not an achieved market share. Reaching it will require greater consumer awareness, effective branding, quality assurance and stronger distribution networks.

In addition, the GI identity must translate into practical value for producers. Wider recognition matters most when farmers and legitimate businesses can connect that reputation with better market opportunities.

Makhana Farmers' Income Shows a Sharp Rise

The figures cited by Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also point to a significant increase in reported income from makhana cultivation.

According to the figures, baseline income rose from ₹35,000 per hectare in 2012–13 to ₹4,25,750 per hectare in 2025–26. That represents an increase of more than 12 times over the period.

However, the figures do not specify whether the estimates account for inflation or changes in cultivation costs. Therefore, they should not be treated as a direct measure of the rise in farmers' profits.

For cultivators, the more important question is whether future growth will bring dependable returns. Better access to buyers, transparent pricing, improved processing and reduced post-harvest losses could help farmers benefit from expanding demand.

Can Bihar Turn Its Makhana Leadership into a Global Brand?

Bihar's export target reflects a wider ambition: to turn a crop in which the state already has a strong production base into a recognised international product.

The next five years will be crucial. Expanding cultivation is only the first step; the industry must also scale processing, maintain quality and build lasting relationships with international buyers.

For Bihar's farmers and businesses, the opportunity lies in ensuring that export growth creates value throughout the supply chain. If production, processing and branding advance together, Mithila Makhana could strengthen Bihar's agricultural identity while opening new commercial opportunities.

The real measure of success by 2030–31 will not be exports alone. It will also be whether the people who grow, process and sell Bihar's makhana can share in the benefits of its growing global reputation.

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