Patna: Makhana, also known as fox nut, has been part of Bihar’s food culture for generations. For years, it remained limited to local ponds and nearby markets, offering farmers seasonal income and little security. Today, that picture is slowly changing. With rising demand for healthy foods across India and abroad, makhana is becoming a powerful source of employment and entrepreneurship. At the heart of this change is Gulfraz, a young entrepreneur from Katihar, whose work is helping turn a traditional crop into a modern industry.
Gulfraz began his journey in 2019 with very limited resources but a clear goal: to take local products from Bihar to bigger markets. Inspired by national campaigns such as “Vocal for Local” and “Startup India”, and the Bihar government’s focus on development, he worked to connect makhana farmers directly with processing and marketing systems. Over time, his efforts gained recognition, and his venture came to be known as the Modi Makhana brand. What started small has now grown into a structured business that supports farmers while building a strong identity for Bihar’s makhana.
A major step in this transformation has been the use of modern technology. The National Makhana Industry processing unit now operates in a large facility spread over more than 7,000 square feet. Here, makhana is cleaned, graded and packed using advanced machines alongside manual methods. This ensures better quality and hygiene, making the product suitable for national and international markets. As quality improves, farmers benefit directly, receiving better prices for their produce and gaining confidence that their hard work will be rewarded fairly.
One of the most important changes introduced by Gulfraz is the direct purchase of makhana from farmers. By removing middlemen, farmers receive the right value for their crop and enjoy more stable incomes. The growing industry has also created employment for many people, both directly in processing units and indirectly in transport, packaging and related services. Gulfraz believes the makhana sector has huge potential for young people and encourages them to explore opportunities in processing, branding and exports, not just farming.
The Bihar government is also supporting this growing sector. Through the Agriculture Department, subsidies are being provided to expand makhana cultivation. Farmers can apply online through official platforms, and those registered on the DBT portal are eligible for support under the area expansion scheme. The scheme covers 16 districts, including Katihar, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Muzaffarpur, with a unit cost of Rs 0.97 lakh per hectare to help cover seeds, inputs and harvesting.
With increasing awareness of makhana’s health benefits, demand is rising steadily in both domestic and international markets. Experts say that if processing and branding continue to grow, Bihar could soon become a major centre for makhana production and export. Gulfraz’s journey shows how traditional farming, when combined with modern ideas and government support, can create new opportunities and change the economic future of rural Bihar.
