India’s makhana (fox nut) market is projected to reach Rs 11,000-12,000 crore by 2029-30, driven by rising demand, higher prices, expanding production and growing interest in health-focused snacks, according to an official factsheet.
The domestic makhana market recorded annual growth of 17-18 per cent between 2021-22 and 2024-25, while average prices rose from around Rs 500 per kg in 2020-22 to nearly Rs 1,250 per kg in 2025.
Production volumes, however, grew by only around 4-5 per cent between FY2022 and FY2025, with the increase in prices attributed to higher demand for health-focused snacks, premium branding and a limited supply response.
India’s total makhana production stood at 63,910 metric tonnes (MT) in 2024-25, with average productivity of 2.03 MT per hectare, according to the factsheet.
The Second Advance Estimates for 2025-26 put production at 80,590 MT, with average productivity rising to 2.34 MT per hectare.
Bihar remains the country’s leading makhana producer, with production estimated at 60,000 MT in 2025-26 and average productivity of 2 MT per hectare.
Traditionally cultivated in ponds, makhana production is increasingly adopting modern techniques, including field-system farming and improved varieties such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1.
“The growth has been driven by an increase in cultivated area, improved productivity, and reduced cultivation risks,” the factsheet said.
India produces more than 0.6 lakh MT of makhana annually, with the sector benefiting from growing demand for clean-label and plant-based food products.
The domestic market’s strong growth has also helped shield the sector from fluctuations in export markets, the factsheet said.
The government announced the establishment of the National Makhana Board in the Union Budget 2025-26 in view of the sector’s growing importance.
It has also approved a Rs 476.03-crore Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana for the period from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
The scheme focuses on research and innovation, improving the availability of quality seeds and strengthening farmers’ skills.
It also aims to improve harvesting and post-harvest practices, promote value addition, branding and marketing, enhance exports and strengthen quality control systems.
With production, productivity and domestic demand rising, makhana is emerging as an increasingly important crop within India’s agri-food economy.
