Why is Makhana (Foxnut) So Expensive? An Insight into Its Preparation, Benefits & Value

Farm Yug Makhana, also known as Mithila Phool Makhana , has been an integral part of Indian diets for centuries. Recently, it has gained global recognition as a superfood , making it a high-demand commodity. However, one common question arises— Why is Farm Yug Makhana so expensive? With the Union Budget 2025 highlighting the importance of Makhana in India's agricultural and export policies, let’s explore the preparation process, health benefits, and factors that contribute to its high value. 1. The Labour-Intensive Farming & Processing of Farm Yug Mithila Makhana Farm Yug Mithila Makhana is cultivated in natural ponds, wetlands, and lowland water bodies , mainly in the Mithila region of Bihar. Unlike mass-produced crops, Makhana farming is: ✅ Time-consuming – It takes around 6-8 months from sowing to harvesting. ✅ Manual Harvesting – Farmers dive into deep waters to collect seeds, making the process physically demanding. ✅ Complex Processing – The seeds undergo a ...