‘Nikhil Kamath’s superfood bet’: Why makhana is a goldmine waiting to be built

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Booming Market

[{"selector":"#anim-e91f2dd9-3e5b-4e36-97f7-9caf1a44b489 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(23.437499809931783%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] India’s makhana sector is projected to more than double by 2033, driven by health-conscious demand.

Profit Gaps

[{"selector":"#anim-c2be0f16-4d73-4961-9abb-a8bd51c789dd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(28.895515139114377%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] From INR 75/kg at farmgate to INR 700/kg at retail—cutting middlemen can boost farmer income.

Policy Push

[{"selector":"#anim-6322807f-8523-4c27-be30-e1a4e67674c1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] With subsidies, R&D, and a dedicated Makhana Board, government support is reshaping the value chain.

Global Appetite

[{"selector":"#anim-a573f7c0-ba1d-4f7e-8287-6c23c3933384 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.0925291821452%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Makhana is gaining recognition as a superfood overseas—exports poised to elevate India’s agro-trade.

Production Pain

[{"selector":"#anim-6e242136-4a16-4d94-9859-319f30db9e51 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-5.46874963445571%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Manual labor and low edible yield (40%) limit scalability—highlighting need for innovation.

Vision Scale

[{"selector":"#anim-1607f8a4-94b3-420a-a2c8-c361a4fb3b44 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(8.023173902589619%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Nikhil Kamath pegs makhana as a ₹6,000 Cr global play—if tech and branding bridge current gaps.

Bihar Backbone

[{"selector":"#anim-067fa35d-c9ca-4612-bce3-5943d6ab3823 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Bihar leads in output with new storage units, training programs, and GI tagging efforts in play.

Superfood Power

[{"selector":"#anim-f9fe439d-92c4-4e27-9d6b-353a8833e222 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Makhana’s nutrient-rich profile meets modern wellness trends—positioning it as a daily health staple.

Startup Edge

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