Makhana

News: The Union Budget 2025 announced the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar, bringing renewed attention to Makhana. 

About Makhana

• Makhana (Fox Nut) is the dried seed of the prickly water lily plant (Euryale ferox).
• It grows in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands across South and East Asia.
• The outer seed coat is black, which is why it is often called ‘Black Diamond.’
• Mithila Makhana received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022.
• Production: Bihar produces 90% of India’s makhana, mainly in nine districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi.
• Makhana is also grown in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, as well as in Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.
• Climatic condition for Makhana Cultivation:
  • Temperature: 20-35°C
  • Rainfall: 100-250 cm and
  • Humidity: 50-90%