How to export Makhana from India?
Makhana, often called lotus seeds or fox nuts, has become a major export and nutritional powerhouse from India. With rising global demand for healthy snacks, plant-based protein, and functional foods, makhana is gaining strong popularity across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The Makhana plant, scientifically known as Euryale Ferox Salisb., originates from China and Southeast Asia but is now widely cultivated and exported from India.
In 2026, the global superfood and healthy snack market is expanding rapidly due to increasing health awareness, vegan food trends, and growing demand for gluten-free and low-calorie products. This has created significant opportunities for exporters, traders, and agribusiness companies in India. In this blog, we will explore how to export makhana from India, including documentation, certifications, top markets, and profitability insights.
Key Insight 2026: The global plant-based snack market is projected to grow at a strong CAGR, and makhana is emerging as one of the fastest-growing Indian superfoods in international markets due to its low-fat, gluten-free, and high-protein properties.
But the question that arises for exporters is, how can we export Makhana from India? In this blog, we will explore how to export Makhana from India with updated 2026 market insights, global demand trends, and profitable export strategies.
India Leads the Global Makhana Export Market
According to the latest export data, India dominates the global makhana trade due to strong production capacity, traditional farming expertise, and growing international demand.
- India stands tall as the No. 1 exporter of makhana in the world, accounting for 25,130 shipments in 2023–24.
- China followed with just 238 shipments, and Pakistan came third with 70 shipments.
- The demand is expected to grow further in 2026 due to the global shift towards healthy and functional foods.
This clearly reflects India’s unmatched capacity and global demand for its makhana exports.
Top Export Categories of Makhana
India’s makhana exports are classified under many HS codes, with the most prominent ones being:
- 19041090 – Prepared foods obtained by swelling cereals or cereal products
- 21069099 – Other food preparations
- 08134090 – Other dried fruits
These categories highlight the growing diversification of makhana into processed, flavored, and value-added segments, which offer higher profit margins for exporters.
What is the reason for the high demand for Makhana export from India?
Did you know? Makhana is rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and fiber. It is gaining popularity as a superfood in the global wellness and nutrition industry.
India has strong demand for makhana exports for many reasons:
- Health and immunity benefits
- High demand for vegetarian and plant-based protein
- Growing global awareness of Indian superfoods
- Government initiatives to promote superfood exports
- Large production base and traditional farming
- Expanding healthy snack and retail market
Production of Makhana in India
Bihar is the world’s largest producer of makhana, contributing over 90% of global production. Increasing investment in processing, branding, and organic certification is further strengthening India’s export competitiveness.
| State | Area Under Cultivation (Ha) | Production (MT) |
| Bihar | 12,000 | 96,000 |
| Jharkhand | 1,000 | 8,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 500 | 4,000 |
| Other States | 500 | 4,000 |
| Total | 15,000 | 120,000 |
Why is Makhana Export from India profitable?
Due to its increasing demand in the global market, the export of Makhana from India has become a lucrative business for exporters globally.
First, let's analyze the Makhana export data table.
| Makhana exports | Makhana export data from India (value) |
| Total Makhana Shipments (Tonnes) | 25,130 |
| Number of Makhana Exporters | 1,123 |
| Number of Makhana Buyers | 2,969 |
The above table represents the total Makhana export from India valued at 25,130 million metric tons. Also, the Indian makhana exporters are 1,123, while the total number of buyers is 2969.
Understanding the Makhana Export Data
Let's break down the export data for a clearer picture of how profitable this trade has become.
- Total Makhana Shipments (Tonnes): 25,130 million metric tons
- Number of Makhana Exporters: 1,123
- Number of Makhana Buyers: 2,969
According to the latest data, India exports 25,130 million metric tons of makhana to 2,969 buyers worldwide and more than 1,123 exporters. This demonstrates how much demand there is for this product globally.
Global Market for Makhana
India supplies most of the world's makhana, making it the world's top exporter. The top markets for Indian makhana include the United States, Canada, and Australia, where health-conscious consumers are increasingly incorporating this superfood into their diets.
According to makhana export data, the top three nations involved in makhana exports are:
- India – Leading the market with 25,130 shipments
- China – In second place with 238 shipments
- Pakistan – With 70 shipments545
Top 10 Destinations for Export of Makhana From India
The updated list of top nations that import makhana from India are as follows:
- USA
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- UAE
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Germany
- Southeast Asia
- European Union
Makhana is a popular snack from India that is both nutritious and versatile. It’s benefits have been acknowledged by many countries. India is one of the major exporters of makhana to the United States. Makhana, which has low calorie content and many health benefits, is becoming more and more popular as people are currently looking for new and healthy snack options.
On the other hand, visit tradologie.com to learn more about the international Makhana export business.
Top 10 Makhana Exporters in India
The list of prominent exporters of makhana in India is given below :
- Cilantro Food Products Private Limited
- Shree Shyam Impex
- Nathubhai Cooverji and Sons
- House of Pura LLP
- Al Shadik Export
- Saksham Food
- Mithila Makhana Udhyog
- Satviki Exports Private Limited
- Dev Exims
- Radhe Radhe Enterprises
Procedure To Export Makhana From India?
Understanding the nuances of the production process is the first step towards adopting a systematic approach for Makhana export from India. Makhana cultivation requires several processes from seed preparation to packing. As an exporter, it becomes your responsibility to ensure that the safety and quality of your goods are at par with global standards.
The following are the basic procedures for exporting makhana from India:
- Get your business registered and obtain an IEC number.
- Find and negotiate with buyers.
- Ensure quality and certification.
- Apply for an export license and choose the relevant shipment option.
- Clear Customs and Provide Documents
Conclusion :
Exporting makhana from India can be a lucrative endeavor because of the growing global demand for the product. Indian exporters can successfully find and target Makhana importer countries by using export-import data and the suggested methods, ensuring the success of their Makhana exports.
Whether you need the most recent information on makhana export from India, makhana exporters in India, makhana export data from India, or the HS Code for makhana, tradologie.com can help to develop a makhana export business plan for your company to deal in the international trade sphere and comprehend the market. Register now at www.tradologie.com.
