Makhana cultivators and traders in Bihar's Purnia district are riding a wave of enthusiasm after Prime Minister Narendra Modi specifically highlighted the region's fox nut crop during the 139th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The Prime Minister's remarks — noting that Purnia makhana was now reaching as far as Greece — have reportedly accelerated exports and drawn local youth toward the cultivation and trade of the superfood.

What Modi Said

During 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Modi cited Purnia makhana reaching Greece and arhar dal from Kalaburagi, Karnataka being exported to the Maldives as examples of new global markets opening for Indian farmers. He framed both as evidence of the 'Vocal for Local' initiative taking root, creating fresh opportunities for farmers and local producers across the country. The mention was brief but, according to traders, its impact on sentiment and trade inquiries has been immediate.

Traders and Commerce Body Welcome the Recognition

Aditya Kejriwal, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Purnia, described the Prime Minister's reference as a matter of regional pride. 'Prime Minister's mention of makhana is a matter of pride for people of Purnia. Prime Minister spoke extensively about the development of makhana trade and has taken several initiatives to support it. There has been a significant transformation in the makhana business over the last decade,' Kejriwal said.

He added that government encouragement had already begun reshaping the workforce: 'Thanks to the encouragement from PM Modi, thousands of young people are now engaging in makhana cultivation and trade. Today, makhana has a global market; it is an excellent food product in every respect. PM Modi has done a great deal for the growth of the makhana industry.'

Kejriwal also pointed to structural improvements in farm economics. 'Makhana is being embraced as a superfood. Previously, farmers did not earn a good income from makhana, but now their earnings from its cultivation have increased. Modern techniques are being employed in makhana farming, and the government is also providing subsidies for its cultivation,' he noted.

Product Innovation and New Entrepreneurs

Beyond raw cultivation, the makhana industry in Purnia is witnessing product diversification. A local trader noted that makhana is now available as chips in a variety of flavours, expanding its consumer appeal well beyond traditional use. 'The market for makhana is set to expand significantly in the coming days,' the trader said, adding that many young people are being drawn toward the industry and trade.

Notably, new entrepreneurs — many stepping outside conventional farming — are also entering the makhana value chain, signalling a broader economic shift in the region. The same trader called for the establishment of a dedicated 'makhana board' to ensure efficient and optimum production of the crop.

Background: Makhana's Growing Economic Footprint

Purnia and the broader Mithila belt of Bihar account for a significant share of India's makhana output. The crop has gained international recognition as a high-protein, low-calorie superfood, boosting its export potential. This comes amid a broader Central government push to promote geographic-indicator-tagged agri products in global markets, with makhana from Bihar being one of the flagship examples. The Prime Minister's public endorsement adds a fresh layer of visibility to years of quieter policy support.

What Comes Next

Industry stakeholders are now calling for institutional support — including the proposed makhana board — to translate the current momentum into sustained growth. If export volumes to markets like Greece and beyond continue to rise, Purnia's makhana industry could emerge as a model for how targeted prime ministerial attention combined with ground-level entrepreneurship can accelerate agri-export chains. All eyes are now on whether the Centre translates the public endorsement into a formal institutional mechanism for the crop.