Makhana Dialogue Calls for Stronger Market Ecosystem to Boost India's Superfood Exports

Industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs came together in Patna to discuss strategies for strengthening India's Makhana sector and enhancing its global competitiveness during the "Makhana Dialogue: Strengthening the Market Ecosystem", organised by Pragya Sansthan in collaboration with the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP). The Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA) served as the Knowledge Partner for the event.

The dialogue brought together Makhana producers, traders, exporters, entrepreneurs, researchers, industry experts and policymakers to deliberate on strengthening the Makhana value chain, improving market efficiency and expanding India's footprint in domestic and international markets.

Focus on Strengthening the Makhana Value Chain

The programme began with a welcome address by Kumod Kumar, CEO of CIMP Business Incubation and Innovation Foundation (CIMP BIIF) and President of TiE Patna, who underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to unlock the sector's full potential.

Kamlakant Pathak, Associate Director of Pragya Sansthan, outlined the objectives of the dialogue and highlighted key challenges facing the Makhana industry while moderating the technical sessions.

Shivani Singh from the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA) presented an overview of India's Makhana sector, highlighting the country's dominant position in global production, growing international demand, export opportunities and the strategic interventions needed to strengthen India's competitiveness in global markets.

Stakeholders Discuss Key Industry Challenges

Participants held extensive discussions on several issues affecting the Makhana ecosystem, including price volatility, the absence of standardised grading and pricing mechanisms, quality standards, transportation and logistics from the Mithila region, value addition, branding, exports, innovation and the need for accredited testing laboratories and robust quality certification systems.

Delegates also stressed the importance of developing a distinct global identity for Indian Makhana to strengthen its positioning as a premium superfood in international markets.

Chief Guest Highlights Need for Innovation and Branding

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM), Government of India, highlighted the immense potential of Makhana as a globally recognised Indian superfood.

He emphasised the need for stronger market linkages, standardised quality and pricing mechanisms, improved logistics, branding, value addition and policy support to build a globally competitive Makhana ecosystem. He also highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection, scientific research, quality assurance and institutional support in establishing Indian Makhana as a premium global brand.

Recommendations to Enhance Global Competitiveness

The dialogue concluded that while India remains the world's largest producer of Makhana, unlocking its full commercial potential will require greater market transparency, improved infrastructure, scientific processing, stronger quality assurance systems and closer collaboration among producers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, financial institutions and policymakers.

Participants also called for policy measures to improve farmers' incomes, encourage entrepreneurship, promote product diversification and strengthen India's presence in global Makhana markets.

Wide Participation Across the Makhana Ecosystem

The event witnessed participation from leading stakeholders, including Lily Jha (Organic Sattva), Abhinav Jha (Tirhutwala.com), Keshav Kumar (Mithila Bhoj), Ajay Kumar (Bodhika), along with Makhana producers, processors, exporters, entrepreneurs, researchers, industry experts and representatives from academic and policy institutions.

Their insights reflected the practical challenges associated with production, processing, branding, logistics and market access, contributing to recommendations aimed at strengthening the entire value chain.

Collaborative Roadmap for India's Makhana Industry

The programme concluded with a collective commitment to foster greater collaboration among government institutions, research organisations, industry stakeholders, entrepreneurs and farmer groups. The recommendations emerging from the dialogue are expected to contribute to future policy discussions and strategic initiatives focused on strengthening every stage of the Makhana value chain—from production and processing to branding, exports and global market integration.

(Inputs from Press Release)