Introduction

Makhana export from India has picked up momentum in recent years alongside a growing global appetite for superfood products. India boasts the position of being the largest producer of fox nuts (lotus seeds) and dominates their exports to the USA and UK among other countries, including the UAE and Australia. What makes India unique is the rich nutrition and culture, which has helped India to make Makhan a valuable export product.

Aside from the obvious health benefits of Makhan exports, which have been incorporated in diverse and plant-based dishes, it has also resulted in a surge in investment in the ag-expert sector. The opportunities available in the sector have prompted Makhan to craft a makhana export business plan. Makhan has a structured approach to increasing tax footprints in global trade. Milk exports from India are expanding worldwide, with products like ghee, milk powder, paneer, and yogurt strengthening the country’s global dairy trade.

What is Makhana?

Makhana, also referred to as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is derived from Euryale Ferox. In India, it is hugely incorporated within the culinary industry for sweets and snacks, and along with Ayurvedic treatments, it is also revered for being a source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

  • Eat as a low-calorie snack.
  • Add in Indian sweets or savory items.
  • Used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat the digestive system and is also beneficial for the heart.

In India, India Makhana and achieving global Makhana export potential. With an expanded global market, Makhana is increasingly gaining popularity because of its nutritional value.

Makhanas in India.

The Bihar Region

About 90% of Makhana is cultivated in Bihar, with the Mithila and Darbhanga regions being the cultivation centers. Farmed using traditional systems of agriculture as well as pond cultivation, the quality and average yield of Makhana produced is ensured. Product export from Bihar is gaining global attention with makhana, litchi, rice, silk, and handicrafts leading the state’s trade growth.

Other States

West Bengal and Assam also produce Makhana, with Bihar taking the lead.

Snapshot of Makhana in India

Government support, as well as other subsidies, merges with the use of new and old methods of cultivation, creating better Makhana yields. Infrastructure is in place for Makhana Export.

The Makhana Export Process

Quality bulk is a requirement if a seller or exporter wishes to achieve global competitiveness. The Makhana Process consists of the following steps:

1.  Harvesting: Collection from ponds and wetlands.

2.  Popping: The seeds are softened and mildly heated.

3.  Roasting: This step is to ensure the proper texture and flavor.

4.  Drying: This is to reduce the moisture content, hence increasing the shelf life.

5. Grading and Packaging: For Makhana export from India, a sorting and packing strategy is utilized.

Every step of the Makhana process and Export Business is refined to international standards to remain competitive in the global market.

The increase in demand for Indian Makhanas in global markets is significant.

Several things have led to the India Makhana Market becoming known around the world:

The India Makhana Market has grown because people are becoming more health-conscious and want a healthy alternative to fried dishes. Makhana is a good source of protein, doesn’t have gluten, and is low in fat.. Global Recognition as a superfood – Makhana enjoys a strong association with NRIs and health-conscious individuals.

Demand is being generated from the USA, Canada, the UK, and the UAE. Makhanas could be exported to these regions if exporters strategize a proper, structured Makhana export business plan. Wondering how to export namkeen from India? With rising global demand for Indian snacks, exporters can tap into huge markets worldwide.

Makhana Export Business and Global Trade

India has been witnessing a boom in its Makhana export business as a result of changing health trends and diet preferences across the world. Key import regions are:

  • USA, Canada – Demand for organic munchies.
  • UAE, Middle East – Considerable demand during Ramadan.
  • Australia, Japan – Markets for gluten-free super food.
  • Europe – rising consumption of plant-based foods.

New entrants in the market who want to Export Makhana are required to:

Develop a partnership with legitimate certified vendors.
Meet the Export Makhanas Business trade plan.
Brand and package the product to tailor its market.
Fulfill the required certifications.

Deficiencies in Makhana Export from India

The increase in demand for Makhanas globally hasn’t come without its barriers:

The competition from other healthy snack substitutes is fierce.
The process of storing and shipping Makhanas presents significant challenges.
High-priced labor is needed for the Makhana processing.

All of these issues need to be addressed with a refined trade plan for exporting Makhanas to ensure profitability…

Quality Standards and Certifications

Successful makhana export from India will require compliance with international standards and FSSAI Certification for food safety in India and with the US FDA where we will need US approval, and the EU for HACCP Certification to help sell in Europe and globally with Tier 1 food safety.

Obtaining the listed certificates will enable the sellers to gain credibility in the international markets.

Business opportunities with Makhana

Business opportunities with makhana export from India are emerging with Flavored Makhana masala, makhana chocolate, makhana cheese, makhana flour for energy bars, and healthy snack packs.

Exporters are now devising innovative makhana export business plans to cater to these niche segments in the market.

Support from the Government

Support from the Government in India for makhana export from India includes subsidies for building businesses, upgrades for cold storage and infrastructure, and simple, easy financing for exporters. 

These steps will support growing confidence in the makhana business as India prepares to take the position of a dominant player in superfood exports.

Future of Makhana Export from India

  • The forecast for the near future appears to be encouraging with an increase in the number of Health-Conscious Consumers.
  • Markets in Africa, South America, and Russia are also opening.
  • The makhana processes have also been improved to make makhana a more processed ingredient, therefore increasing the quality of the product.

Exporting makhana export from India   is a relatively new story, but thanks to India’s leadership, growth is a given. Any strategic mistake is profound.

Conclusion

Exporting products provides a platform to sell directly to end-users, which is a step up. Mekhana is a globally preferred product, and with the growing demand for healthy snacks, our ability to meet global demand ensures prosperity. We have strong global opportunities and growth. With the makhana producers mostly based in Bihar, there is enough supply for domestic and growing market needs. Farm owners and exporters in other countries have ample opportunities in other countries, since Mare farmers have a strong strategic business plan. 

Not only does the supply for the growing india makhana market serve future demand and assure world market access at low overall prices, but there is also a strategic plan in place to assure India and the rest of the world can access the makhana. For further details regarding import and export, please do get in touch. To learn more about our role in supporting exporters and global trade, visit our About Us section.