How Did Bihar’s Gulfraz Become a Millionaire with ‘Modi Makhana’?

Katihar (Bihar), April 29 (NationPress) Despite being the largest producer of makhana (fox nuts) in India, this superfood has historically been underappreciated. However, a wave of young entrepreneurs in the state is striving to reinvent the identity of makhana through innovation and business initiatives.

One notable figure is Gulfraz, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who founded a startup dedicated to makhana processing.

He named his enterprise 'Modi Makhana', a choice that has an intriguing backstory.

After earning his B.Tech, Gulfraz launched a makhana processing factory under the 'Startup India' initiative. Motivated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on empowering youth and fostering entrepreneurship, he opted for the name 'Modi Makhana'.

Coming from a minority community, Gulfraz expresses his admiration for the Prime Minister’s vision and aimed to reflect it through his brand. Notably, the majority of his factory's workforce also hails from the minority community.

Currently, Gulfraz’s business operations span several states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal. He is in the process of installing advanced machinery to create ten distinct makhana-based products, with aspirations to tap into international markets.

In an interview with IANS, Gulfraz shared, “Upon completing my engineering degree, I aspired to embark on a meaningful journey that would benefit not just myself but also provide employment opportunities. During my second year of college, a session on startups highlighted makhana, which sparked my idea.”

“When Prime Minister Modi visited Bihar and discussed the potential of makhana, it further ignited my interest. After graduating in June 2019, I returned home to persuade my family to back my business idea.”

Initially, his family was reluctant, as they had hoped he would pursue a conventional career after gaining admission to one of Bihar’s few engineering colleges. However, Gulfraz was resolute in his decision.

“While others sought jobs, I aimed to create something that would generate employment. The Prime Minister's advocacy for startups and job creation motivated me,” he remarked.

Gulfraz began his venture in a modest 500-square-foot unit with a small team. Over time, his business flourished and received accolades.

He officially launched 'Modi Makhana' on Prime Minister Modi’s birthday in 2020, believing that associating the product with a globally recognized name would enhance its market presence, and it appears his strategy has yielded positive results.

A worker in the factory commented, “I am delighted to work here in my village. I am grateful to Gulfraz for this opportunity.”