‘The room to build…’: Nikhil Kamat’s new obsession could spawn a multi-billion dollar industry.

Macana, also known as the Fox Nut, has emerged as a potential global superfood. Rooted in Indian traditions and grown primarily in Bihar, which produces 90% of the world’s supply, Makana seeks to break out of traditional origins into a profitable industry.

“Perhaps there is room here to build an Indian brand that sells to the world. Personally, I am obsessed with Makana,” Zeroda founder Nikhil Kamat wrote on X.

Bihar’s flood-prone areas have been transformed into makhana farms, yielding three times the income of rice. The crop grows naturally in water bodies and recent innovations like ‘Sabour Makhana-1’ have doubled the yield and improved the food seed ratio from 40% to 60%.

This change has positioned Makana as a vital source of income for thousands of farmers.

Packed with carbohydrates, protein and essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium, macana is low in fat and calories, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Its ability to improve heart health, diabetes management and weight management has pushed the price up to ₹13,000 per kg in international markets, fueling demand globally.

The industry has expanded tremendously, with production tripling in the past ten years. However, challenges persist, including labor-intensive harvesting methods and strict export standards, with only 2% of seeds meeting global quality standards. Despite this, government subsidies and technological advances have reduced many risks and encouraged further growth.

Kamit shared information with a post on the startup. Mr. Makana generates ₹50-60 lakh every month, Farmly has received $6.7 million in funding, and Shakti Sudha Makana is on track to grow from ₹50 crore to ₹1000 crore by 2024.

These companies are redefining Makana as more than just food, demonstrating its potential as a global product.