On February 1, 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a landmark allocation of ₹90 crore for the Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana in Budget 2026-27. This substantial investment builds upon the government's comprehensive commitment to transforming India's makhana industry into a global powerhouse.
Understanding the Government's Comprehensive Makhana Vision
The ₹90 crore allocation for fiscal year 2026-27 is part of a larger strategic framework. In September 2025, the Union Government approved a comprehensive Central Sector Scheme for Makhana Development with a total outlay of ₹476.03 crore spanning 2025-26 to 2030-31. This multi-year commitment demonstrates the government's recognition of makhana as a key agricultural commodity with immense domestic and export potential.
Budget Trajectory & Allocations
Budget 2025-26: ₹100 crore allocated for Support for Makhana Board (Revised Estimate: ₹30 crore)
Budget 2026-27: ₹90 crore for Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana
Total Scheme Outlay: ₹476.03 crore (2025-26 to 2030-31)
Focus Areas: Research & innovation, quality seed production, farmer capacity building, improved harvesting & post-harvest practices, value addition, branding & marketing, export promotion, and quality control
The National Makhana Board: Vision to Reality
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Makhana Board on September 15, 2025, fulfilling the commitment made in Union Budget 2025-26. This institutional framework provides dedicated focus and resources to address every aspect of the makhana value chain, from seed to export.
The Superfood Revolution: Why Makhana Demand is Soaring
Fueled by rising health consciousness and the global shift toward healthy snacking, makhana has experienced multifold growth over recent years. This humble seed has transformed into a sought-after superfood, celebrated for its impressive nutritional profile.
1. Nutritional Powerhouse
Makhana has gained popularity for compelling health reasons. It's low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and serves as an excellent source of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Health experts tout its benefits for heart health, diabetes management, and weight management—making it the perfect snack for health-conscious consumers worldwide.
2. Market Growth Trajectory
According to IMARC research, India's makhana market was valued at ₹7.8 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 9.7%, reaching ₹18.9 billion by 2032. This exponential growth reflects not just domestic consumption increases but also surging international demand for this nutritious, versatile superfood.
The GI tag received in April 2022 as "Mithila Makhana" further skyrocketed its popularity, adding authenticity and premium positioning that resonates with both domestic and international consumers seeking genuine, traditional Indian superfoods.
What This Means for the Makhana Industry
The government's comprehensive approach addresses every stage of the makhana value chain, from seed to makhana export. This holistic support system creates unprecedented opportunities for manufacturers, exporters, and processors who can leverage government backing for business expansion and global competitiveness.
1. Production & Quality Enhancement
The scheme prioritizes research and innovation to improve cultivation practices and seed quality. With current production at 10,000 tonnes annually across 15,000 hectares, there's significant potential for yield optimization. For manufacturers like Hybite Foods who depend on consistent, high-quality raw material supply, government investment in quality seed production and farmer capacity building represents a game-changing improvement in supply chain reliability and product consistency.
2. Infrastructure Development
Government support for processing infrastructure, improved post-harvest practices, and value addition directly benefits private label manufacturers and bulk suppliers. The focus on modernizing the traditional processing methods—from seed extraction in murky waters to high-heat processing—will enhance efficiency, safety, and scalability. This creates opportunities for companies to invest in technology upgrades with government backing, essential ingredients for scaling operations while maintaining traditional quality.
3. Export Promotion & Global Standards
With the global superfood market experiencing exponential growth and the Indian makhana market projected to reach ₹18.9 billion by 2032, the government's focus on quality control, branding, and export promotion positions Indian manufacturers for unprecedented international expansion. The GI tag for Mithila Makhana provides authenticity credentials that international buyers seek, while government support for achieving international certifications reduces barriers to premium global markets including North America, Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Strategic Opportunities for Makhana Manufacturers
The government's multi-pronged approach creates specific advantages for businesses positioned at different points in the value chain.
1. For Private Label Manufacturers
Enhanced government support for quality standardization and food processing infrastructure enables private label manufacturers to meet diverse client specifications more efficiently. Access to improved raw material quality, coupled with technical support from the new Food Technology Institute, positions manufacturers to serve both domestic retail chains and international health food brands with confidence.
2. For Bulk Suppliers
Increased production volumes, improved storage infrastructure, and government-backed quality assurance systems strengthen bulk makhana suppliers ability to fulfill large-scale orders consistently. The formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), as outlined in the scheme, creates more organized supply chains and reduces price volatility—critical factors for bulk order reliability.
3. For Exporters
Government focus on achieving international quality certifications and export promotion substantially lowers the barriers to global market entry. With only 2% of current production meeting international standards, early movers who leverage government support to achieve certifications stand to capture significant market share in health-conscious international markets including the USA, Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Hybite Foods: Positioned at the Intersection of Opportunity
As a manufacturer specializing in private label makhana, bulk ordering, and export operations, Hybite Foods stands uniquely positioned to capitalize on this historic government support. Our integrated approach allows us to leverage improvements across the entire value chain—from enhanced raw material quality to streamlined export procedures.
How We're Leveraging Government Support
Our commitment to quality aligns perfectly with government initiatives for standardization and certification. As schemes roll out to support processing infrastructure and export facilitation, Hybite Foods continues investing in state-of-the-art processing facilities, quality control systems, and international certifications that meet the highest global standards.
For our private label partners, this translates to more reliable supply chains, consistent quality, and competitive pricing backed by government-supported infrastructure. For our bulk clients, it means enhanced capacity and quality assurance. For our export operations, it represents smoother certification processes and stronger global market positioning.
Partner with Hybite Foods
Looking for a reliable makhana manufacturer that combines traditional quality with modern processing capabilities? Whether you need private label products, bulk supplies, or export-grade makhana, Hybite Foods delivers excellence backed by decades of industry expertise.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your makhana requirements.
