Patna Makhana Foxnut Processing Ganga Plains

Patna district is the commercial hub of Bihar's makhana (foxnut, Euryale ferox) trade, receiving raw makhana harvested from the oxbow lakes (chaurs) of Darbhanga and Madhubani for roasting, grading, and packaging at processing units in Patna city. The foxnut roasting process involves heating raw seeds in heavy iron karahis with sand until the kernels pop and expand, then grading by size into varieties sold as makhana kheel for religious offerings, snacks, and kheer. Patna's wholesale makhana market connects the Mithila farming community to national retail chains and export buyers who supply makhana as a health food to the USA, UK, and Gulf markets under the GI-protected Mithila Makhana brand.