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Floating Makhana
Floating Makhana
Floating Makhana
Floating Makhana
Floating Makhana
PLS Foods

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our premium Makhana, ordering process, and shipping.

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Katihar is part of the core Mithila region, contributing significantly to India's 90% share of global production. The unique wetland ecosystem here produces "Phool Makhana" that is naturally whiter and larger (often 5-6 Suta+). Sourcing directly from Katihar via PLS Agro Foods ensures farm-to-port freshness and lower moisture content, which is critical for international shelf life.
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"Suta" is the traditional grading system in Bihar (1 Suta ≈ 3.17 mm).

3-4 Suta: Ideal for namkeen factories and ground powder.

5 Suta: Premium retail grade.

6 Suta+: Export quality, preferred by luxury snack brands in the USA, UK, and UAE for its superior crunch and appearance.
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Yes. We specialize in authentic Mithila Makhana which holds the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This certification ensures the product is grown using traditional methods in the Bihar region, guaranteeing its unique nutritional profile and premium quality for global importers.
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We follow strict export protocols, including:

Moisture Control: Keeping levels below 12% to prevent spoilage.

Hygienic Processing: Using mechanized roasting to meet FSSAI and international food safety standards.

Lab Testing: Providing reports for pesticide residues and heavy metals upon request.
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To prevent the fragile kernels from crushing, we use Nitrogen-flushed vacuum-sealed bags or multi-layer HDPE bags inside strong corrugated cartons. This ensures the Makhana remains crispy and fresh during long sea or air freight journeys.
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Yes, for those looking for low-fat and high-volume snacking. While almonds are healthy, they are high in fats and calories. Makhana contains only 0.1g of fat per 100g and offers more "crunch per calorie." Compared to popcorn, Makhana is significantly higher in magnesium and potassium, making it a more nutrient-dense choice for heart health and muscle recovery.
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Makhana has a low Glycemic Index (GI) of approximately 22–35. This means it releases glucose slowly into the bloodstream, preventing the sharp insulin spikes caused by high-carb snacks. The high fiber content also slows down carbohydrate digestion, making it a "safe snack" for diabetic-friendly diets.
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While it shouldn't be the only source, it is an excellent plant-based protein booster. A 100g serving of Makhana provides about 9.7g of protein. It contains essential amino acids like glutamine and arginine, which are vital for muscle repair and immune function in vegan and vegetarian diets.
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Makhana is rich in kaempferol, a natural flavonoid found in premium superfoods. Kaempferol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help fight oxidative stress, protect cells from damage, and improve skin suppleness, naturally slowing down the signs of aging.
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Absolutely. A daily serving of 30–50 grams (about two handfuls) is ideal. Its high satiety index—thanks to the fiber and protein—keeps you feeling full for longer, which reduces mindless snacking. For the best weight loss results, we recommend dry-roasting them with a pinch of turmeric instead of frying them in oil.
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It acts as a third-party quality seal, guaranteeing that the product is authentic and possesses the unique characteristics specific to Bihar’s geography.
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Look for the official GI logo on the packaging and ensure your exporter is a registered user of the Mithila Makhana GI.
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It commands a premium because it represents the top 10% of the harvest in terms of size, color, and nutritional density.
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No. Only Makhana grown and processed within the designated Mithila region (including Katihar) according to strict traditional standards can carry the tag.
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Indirectly, yes. The standards required for GI certification often mandate better drying and processing, which leads to a more stable product.
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Most exporters prefer at least a 20ft container, but for premium grades, LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments starting at 1,000kg are possible.
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We use vacuum-sealed, nitrogen-flushed bags and high-strength corrugated boxes to prevent crushing and moisture absorption.
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Common terms include 30% advance and 70% against the Bill of Lading (BL), or an Irrevocable Letter of Credit (LC).
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Yes, we can process and pack Makhana under your brand name, ready for your local retail shelves.
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From Katihar, it typically takes 7-10 days for processing and 25-40 days for sea transit, depending on the destination port.
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No, the taste remains the same, but the consistency improves. Every kernel has the same crunch and texture.
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It is much more hygienic and allows us to meet strict FDA and EU food safety standards that manual processing often cannot.
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Not necessarily. While the machinery is an investment, the increased yield (less wastage) often keeps the final price competitive.
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It’s a process where puffed makhana is cooled quickly to lock in the crunch and prevent the seeds from becoming chewy.
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Modern units like ours track batches from specific ponds, allowing us to tell exactly where and when your Makhana was harvested.
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Bihar produces nearly 90% of India's makhana. The unique agro-climatic conditions of regions like Katihar and Madhubani provide the perfect ecosystem for the Euryale ferox plant to thrive.
The GI Tag ensures that the makhana is recognized for its unique origin and superior quality, protecting the traditional methods used by Bihar's farmers.
We use a meticulous grading process (including 6+ Suta hand-picking) and avoid all artificial chemicals or preservatives, maintaining international export standards.
Bihar’s specific soil and water temperature in the Mithila region produce seeds that are larger, whiter, and more nutritionally dense than those grown elsewhere.
Yes, we specialize in bulk B2B shipments and international exports, ensuring moisture-controlled packaging to maintain the signature Bihar crunch.
Most makhana in Bihar is grown naturally in ponds using traditional methods with minimal to no chemical intervention, making it a highly pure superfood.
While Madhubani is a traditional leader, Katihar and Purnea have emerged as massive production and processing hubs, now hosting the headquarters of the National Makhana Board.
In early 2026, wholesale prices for premium grades fluctuate between ₹700–₹900 per kg depending on the suta size and sorting quality.
Yes. Since the introduction of specific HS codes for Makhana in 2025, PLS Agro Foods ensures all batches meet APEDA and international food safety certifications (FDA/EU).
As of early 2026, Bihar produces around 1.1 to 1.2 Lakh MT of raw seeds, which translates to roughly 60,000 MT of popped makhana after processing.
Under the 2025-26 initiative, the Bihar government offers a 75% subsidy (up to ₹72,750 per hectare) to promote cultivation in 16 key districts.
While Madhubani is traditionally first, Katihar and Purnea now compete closely, especially in high-volume B2B processing and export.
We facilitate exports to the USA, Canada, UAE, UK, Singapore, and Australia. We are fully compliant with US-FDA and EU novel food regulations.
For sea freight, our standard MOQ is a 20ft Container (approx. 4-5 MT of popped makhana), but we also handle LCL (Less than Container Load) for trial shipments.
Yes. We offer OEM and Private Label services, where we handle the production, grading, and nitrogen-flushed packaging under your brand name.
Yes, we are a pan-India supplier. We have established logistics partners that allow us to ship bulk quantities from our Katihar unit to any state in India within 5-7 working days.
Our standard wholesale MOQ starts at 100kg, but we offer specialized pricing tiers for larger orders exceeding 1 Tonne.
Absolutely. Whether you need jumbo flakes for premium gifting or smaller sizes for ingredients, we can customize the hand-picking and grading process to your specifications.
As of early 2026, wholesale prices in Bihar mandi range from ₹700 to ₹1,400 per kg, depending on the Suta grade and sorting quality. Prices are generally lowest during the July-August harvest.
Yes, we provide Mixed Grade (Lava 2/3) lots at discounted rates, which are ideal for flour production, sweets (kheer), or ingredient manufacturing where uniform size isn't required.
We use certified electronic weighing and provide transparent "Net Weight" versus "Gross Weight" reporting to ensure you only pay for the makhana you receive.
The National Makhana Board is headquartered in Purnea, Bihar, strategically located to serve the major production clusters of Purnea, Katihar, Araria, and Kishanganj.
The Union Government has approved a ₹476.03 Crore development package for a six-year period (2025-2031) to modernize the entire makhana value chain.
The board provides up to 75% subsidies on modern tools, access to high-quality seeds, and training on "field-system" cultivation to increase yield and reduce labor costs.
While several large units exist in Madhubani and Darbhanga, Katihar and Purnea host the most modern industrial processing units, including PLS Agro Foods, which specialize in high-volume B2B and export manufacturing.
Yes. Modern manufacturers offer end-to-end OEM services, including nitrogen-flushed pouch packaging, custom flavoring, and branding for global D2C companies.
Buying from a direct manufacturer in Bihar ensures you get the freshest "current season" crop, avoids middleman markups, and guarantees that the grading (Suta size) is consistent across your entire order.
Automated factories use controlled heating and mechanical strikers to ensure uniform expansion and hygiene, whereas traditional methods are labor-intensive and often result in inconsistent grading and higher breakage.
Yes. We encourage our B2B partners and bulk buyers to schedule a factory visit to witness our sorting, grading, and quality control protocols firsthand.
Absolutely. Our manufacturing unit includes a dedicated seasoning line where we produce flavored variants like Peri-Peri, Cheese, and Salted for private-label clients.
A producer like PLS Agro Foods manages the sourcing from farmers and the physical popping/grading of the seeds. A trader merely buys the finished product. Buying from a producer ensures better pricing, freshness, and quality control.
Yes. As a Bihar-based producer, we promote eco-friendly field-system cultivation which uses less water than traditional ponds and allows farmers to integrate fish farming for a sustainable ecosystem.
Absolutely. Because we control the sorting machines, we can calibrate our grading process to provide specific sizes, such as a "Hand-Picked 6+ Suta" mix for premium retail brands.
Purnia is the administrative and research heart of the makhana industry. Sourcing from here ensures you get the latest crop varieties and are compliant with the newest quality standards set by the National Makhana Board.
For early 2026, Purnia mandi rates for premium 6+ Suta range between ₹850 and ₹1,450 per kg, depending on sorting quality and volume. We provide live quotes based on the day's market.
Yes. We have established transport tie-ups that allow us to deliver bulk makhana from Purnia/Katihar to cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad within 6-8 days.
While Madhubani is historic, Katihar and Purnia currently handle the highest volumes of industrial and export-grade makhana due to their advanced processing infrastructure and connectivity.
You can contact the PLS Agro Foods wholesale desk. We provide daily price updates based on the arrival of the crop in the Katihar and Purnia mandis.
It is difficult for external buyers to manage quality control and logistics at the mandi level. It is highly recommended to work with a local partner like us who understands the grading nuances and has the machinery to process the raw mandi arrivals.
With the establishment of the National Makhana Board, there is a massive shift toward automation, better grading standards (Suta system), and direct export hubs, allowing manufacturers like PLS Agro Foods to provide better quality at lower costs.
Yes. We offer comprehensive OEM services, including custom roasting, flavoring (Peri-Peri, Cheese, etc.), and nitrogen-flushed pouch packaging for your own brand.
Buying from the source ensures you get the freshest "current season" crop, avoids middleman commissions from other states, and guarantees the authenticity of the GI-tagged Mithila Makhana.
As of 2026, approximately 10 to 12 lakh families are directly or indirectly involved in the cultivation, harvesting, and primary processing of makhana across Bihar.
It is a modern cultivation method where makhana is grown in shallow agricultural fields instead of natural ponds. This allows for easier harvesting, higher yields, and the ability to rotate crops.
Yes. We eliminate the middleman by purchasing raw seeds directly from farmer collectives at "farm-gate" prices, ensuring they receive the full market value for their labor.
While Darbhanga and Madhubani are traditional leaders, Purnea currently holds the record for the highest productivity (yield per hectare), while Katihar leads in high-volume industrial processing and supply.
The National Makhana Board aims to increase production by 30% over the next five years, with a goal to reach 1.5 Lakh MT of seed makhana to meet rising global demand.
Currently, about 40% of the processed (popped) makhana is exported to markets like the USA, UAE, and Europe, with the Board targeting a 100% increase in export revenue by 2030.
Sourcing from a direct Bihar makhana supplier ensures you get the freshest crop, "farm-gate" pricing without middleman commissions, and the guaranteed authenticity of the Mithila GI Tag.
As of February 2026, rates typically range from ₹690/kg for 4+ Suta to ₹1,420/kg for Super Jumbo 6+ Suta, depending on volume and sorting quality.
Yes. We are experienced exporters specializing in door-to-port logistics for markets in the USA, UK, UAE, and Singapore, providing all necessary APEDA and FDA-compliant documentation.
Bihar produces 90% of the world's makhana. Sourcing directly from Bihar mandis like Katihar eliminates the high transport, storage, and middleman costs added when the product moves to other states.
Larger seeds (higher Suta) require more energy to pop and have a lower breakage rate. A 7 Suta flake is significantly more expensive than a 4 Suta flake because it is rarer and preferred for premium packaging.
Traditionally, prices are lowest during the peak harvest months of August and September. However, with modern storage in 2026, we offer competitive year-round contracts for bulk buyers.
While there are many traders, PLS Agro Foods is a leader in the Katihar-Purnia hub, specializing in high-volume B2B supply and international exports with standardized Suta grading.
For February 2026, premium 6+ Suta grades range from ₹1,250 to ₹1,420/kg, while 4+ Suta economy grades are priced between ₹690 and ₹850/kg.
Yes. We have established logistical tie-ups that allow us to ship bulk loads from Bihar to cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad within 6-8 working days.
While there are many traditional units, PLS Agro Foods in Katihar and various units in Madhubani and Darbhanga lead the industry with automated processing and export-standard certifications.
Bihar produces approximately 1.2 Lakh MT of seed makhana annually, which translates to roughly 60,000 MT of popped makhana. Modern producers like PLS Agro Foods handle significant portions of this for the global B2B market.
Look for the Mithila Makhana GI Tag and APEDA certification. Direct producers in the Katihar-Purnia hub, such as PLS Agro Foods, provide full batch traceability from the farm to the final package.
While often confused, makhana comes from the Euryale ferox (Gorgon Nut) plant, whereas lotus seeds come from the Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus). Makhana is superior in its popping ability and crunch.
Makhana is highly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). It should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If it loses its crunch, a quick 2-minute dry roast will restore it.
Our makhana is grown traditionally in wetlands with zero chemical fertilizers or pesticides, making it naturally organic and as pure as nature intended.
Bihar produces 90% of the world's makhana. Sourcing from a local wholesaler in Katihar or Purnia eliminates the massive transport and middleman markups added when the product is shipped to other states like Delhi or Maharashtra.
For February 2026, wholesale rates for 6+ Suta range between ₹1,250 and ₹1,420 per kg, while 4+ Suta economy grades are available from ₹690 to ₹850 per kg, depending on order volume.
We operate on a standard B2B advance payment or LC (Letter of Credit) model for international exports, but we offer flexible contractual pricing for long-term partners with high-volume monthly requirements.
A small-scale semi-automatic setup usually ranges from ₹8–₹25 lakhs, while a fully automated, high-capacity industrial line can require an investment of ₹1 crore or more, depending on the daily output capacity (e.g., 500kg/hr).
We maintain a strict moisture level of less than 6% through moisture-controlled roasting environments and use multi-layered, nitrogen-flushed pouch packaging to prevent air contact.
Yes. We encourage our wholesale and export partners to visit our Katihar facility to witness our hygienic sorting, automated grading, and "Zero-Touch" processing protocols firsthand.
Always look for a physical presence in the production hubs (Katihar/Purnia), FSSAI registration, and the ability to provide GI-tag certification for Mithila Makhana.
For February 2026, prices range from ₹690/kg for 4+ Suta to ₹1,420/kg for Super Jumbo 6+ Suta, depending on volume and sorting quality.
Yes. As an integrated seller and manufacturer, we offer custom roasting and flavoring (Peri-Peri, Cheese, etc.) for brands looking for retail-ready solutions.
Like any agricultural commodity, the price is driven by the daily arrival of stock in the mandis (Katihar/Purnia) and the volume of active export orders to the USA and Gulf regions.
Larger Suta sizes (6+ and 7+) require high-quality raw seeds and precision popping. Because they are rarer and more visually appealing for premium packaging, they command a significantly higher price than 4 or 5 Suta grades.
For most B2B buyers, buying processed (popped) makhana is more cost-effective because the popping process involves significant weight loss (seed-to-puff ratio) and requires specialized industrial machinery found in our Katihar factory.
We use high-quality, moisture-barrier packaging and nitrogen-flushing for bulk orders. Our logistical partners are experienced in handling fragile makhana flakes to minimize breakage during transit.
For March 2026, distribution rates for 6+ Suta range from ₹1,220 to ₹1,400/kg, while 4+ Suta economy grades are available from ₹700 to ₹900/kg, depending on volume and location.
Yes. We offer comprehensive OEM and private labeling services, where we process, grade, and pack the makhana under your brand name directly from our Bihar facility.

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