Growth and Trade Potential of Makhana:
Innovation, Agro-Industrial and Export Strategy for
Bihar
Research Proposal for PhD Programme in Economics
PATLIPUTRA UNIVERSITY, PATNA
Submitted by: KISHAN KUMAR SINGH
Email:
Form No: 2505744
Exam Roll No: 2591020128
Date: 1 September 2025
, Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Statement of the Problem
3. Research Objectives
4. Research Questions
5. Research Hypotheses
6. Review of Literature
7. Research Gap
8. Research Methodology
9. Expected Outcomes
10. References
, 1. INTRODUCTION
Makhana is the popped seed of Gorgon nut (Euryale ferox), an aquatic crop
cultivated in still water bodies like ponds and lakes. It is famous for its high
nutritional content and increasing worldwide consumption as a premium
health snack.
India dominates global makhana production, accounting for over 90% of total
world output. Within India, Bihar alone contributes approximately 85-90% of
national production. As per the PIB, total area under Makhana cultivation in
India has been increased from 15,000 hectares in to 35,000 hectares in 2021-
22 supporting over 5 lakh farming families.
In 2022, the Mithila region in Bihar received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag
for Makhana. Also, the Union Budget 2025 announced a ₹100 crore allocation
to establish a dedicated Makhana Board in Bihar. These signals the potential of
India's makhana industry. Which is expected to reach ₹24 billion by 2033,
driven by global superfood trends and health-conscious consumption patterns
worldwide. Despite this enormous potential, significant challenges constrain
sector performance. Export volumes remain at merely 1-2% of total production
despite international prices commanding ₹13,000 per kg.
The industry is operating through traditional agricultural systems, which
requires technological innovation and strategic market integration to capture
global value while ensuring inclusive growth for rural communities. This study
examines how cluster-based development, technology adoption, and trade
competitiveness can be strategically integrated to transform makhana
production systems and position Bihar as the global hub for makhana exports,
contributing both to rural prosperity and India's agricultural export
diversification objectives.
Innovation, Agro-Industrial and Export Strategy for
Bihar
Research Proposal for PhD Programme in Economics
PATLIPUTRA UNIVERSITY, PATNA
Submitted by: KISHAN KUMAR SINGH
Email:
Form No: 2505744
Exam Roll No: 2591020128
Date: 1 September 2025
, Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Statement of the Problem
3. Research Objectives
4. Research Questions
5. Research Hypotheses
6. Review of Literature
7. Research Gap
8. Research Methodology
9. Expected Outcomes
10. References
, 1. INTRODUCTION
Makhana is the popped seed of Gorgon nut (Euryale ferox), an aquatic crop
cultivated in still water bodies like ponds and lakes. It is famous for its high
nutritional content and increasing worldwide consumption as a premium
health snack.
India dominates global makhana production, accounting for over 90% of total
world output. Within India, Bihar alone contributes approximately 85-90% of
national production. As per the PIB, total area under Makhana cultivation in
India has been increased from 15,000 hectares in to 35,000 hectares in 2021-
22 supporting over 5 lakh farming families.
In 2022, the Mithila region in Bihar received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag
for Makhana. Also, the Union Budget 2025 announced a ₹100 crore allocation
to establish a dedicated Makhana Board in Bihar. These signals the potential of
India's makhana industry. Which is expected to reach ₹24 billion by 2033,
driven by global superfood trends and health-conscious consumption patterns
worldwide. Despite this enormous potential, significant challenges constrain
sector performance. Export volumes remain at merely 1-2% of total production
despite international prices commanding ₹13,000 per kg.
The industry is operating through traditional agricultural systems, which
requires technological innovation and strategic market integration to capture
global value while ensuring inclusive growth for rural communities. This study
examines how cluster-based development, technology adoption, and trade
competitiveness can be strategically integrated to transform makhana
production systems and position Bihar as the global hub for makhana exports,
contributing both to rural prosperity and India's agricultural export
diversification objectives.
