Bihar Makhana Production: Leading the Global Superfood Supply Chain

Bihar's makhana production has officially entered its most significant growth phase. As of early 2026, the state has achieved a record-breaking production of approximately 1.2 Lakh MT of seed makhana, solidifying its position as the undisputed global leader. This "White Gold" revolution is no longer confined to traditional ponds; it has evolved into a highly organized, science-backed agri-industry.

The 2026 Production Landscape

The establishment of the National Makhana Board in Purnea (headquartered since September 2025) has streamlined production across 16 key districts. At PLS Agro Foods, we have witnessed the following shifts in the 2026 production cycle:

1. Area Expansion: The total area under makhana cultivation in Bihar has surged to over 60,000 hectares, up from 35,000 hectares just a few years ago. Districts like Katihar, Purnea, and Darbhanga lead the way in both volume and yield.

2. Modern Field-System Cultivation: Farmers are rapidly shifting from deep-pond harvesting to shallow-field cultivation. This transition has doubled the yield per hectare (now reaching up to 2.1 MT/hectare in Purnea) and allowed for integrated fish-makhana farming, which maximizes land utility.

3. High-Yield Seed Varieties: The adoption of Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 has significantly improved the "popping ratio." These varieties are specifically bred to produce larger, more uniform kernels (7+ Suta), which are essential for the premium global export market.

4. Post-Harvest Modernization: With the ₹476 Crore Central Sector Scheme (2025-2031) now operational, Bihar is building a network of Common Facility Centres (CFCs) for mechanical drying and grading, ensuring that 2026’s crop meets the highest international food safety standards (HACCP/APEDA).

Economic Impact for B2B Partners

For our global B2B clients, Bihar's production scale means price stability and year-round availability. The current season's output translates to roughly 60,000 MT of popped makhana, ready for distribution. By sourcing from a production-integrated partner like PLS Agro Foods, you are tapping into a supply chain that directly supports over 10 lakh farming families, ensuring your product is as ethical and sustainable as it is nutritious.