Superfood Makhana Injustice and the Middlemen: Rahul Gandhi’s Bold Stand for Bihar Farmers

Superfood Makhana Injustice and the Middlemen – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised his voice for the hardworking farmers of Bihar who grow makhana also known as fox nuts, a popular superfood sold across India and abroad. During his visit to Katihar district on August 23, 2025, Gandhi met farmers face-to-face, walked through their fields, and even helped process makhana. What he saw shocked him: intense labour, poor earnings, and profits snatched away by middlemen.

What Is Makhana and Why Is Bihar So Important?

Makhana, or fox nut, is a small white puffed seed that’s packed with nutrients. It’s often used in snacks, sweets, and even health supplements. Because of its high protein and low fat content, it’s called a “superfood.” But behind its popularity lies a story of struggle.

Bihar produces nearly 90% of the world’s makhana. The crop grows in shallow ponds and is harvested by hand. Farmers and labourers spend long hours in water, collecting seeds, drying them, roasting them, and finally popping them into the white kernels we see in stores.

Despite this hard work, the people who grow and process makhana earn very little. In big cities, makhana sells for ₹1,000-₹2,000 per kilogram. But the farmers often get just a fraction of that, sometimes less than ₹100 per kg. The rest of the profit goes to traders and middlemen.

Rahul Gandhi’s Visit: A Firsthand Look at Exploitation

As part of his “Voter Adhikar Yatra,” Rahul Gandhi visited makhana farms in Katihar, accompanied by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and other opposition leaders. He met farmers, entered the ponds with them, and watched the entire process from harvesting to roasting.

In a video shared on social media, Gandhi said:

“Your superfood makhana have you ever thought about where it comes from? Who makes it, and how? It’s the product of the blood and sweat of Bihar’s farmers. Sales in thousands, but income in pennies.”

Farmers told him about their daily struggles:

• No access to modern machines
• Injuries from roasting and popping seeds
• Lack of cold storage and credit facilities
• No fair pricing or government support

Gandhi was especially concerned about the absence of makhana popping machines, which cost ₹7-15 lakh far too expensive for small farmers. Without these machines, workers suffer burns and cuts while manually processing the seeds.

The Bigger Issue: Inequality and Injustice

Rahul Gandhi didn’t just talk about makhana, he linked the issue to a larger problem of economic and social injustice. He pointed out that most makhana workers belong to extremely backward and Dalit-Bahujan communities. These groups do 99% of the work, but only 1% of the profit goes to them.

He accused the BJP-led government of ignoring these farmers, saying:

“The vote-thief government neither respects nor cares for them, neither gives them income, nor justice.”

Gandhi emphasized that the right to vote and the right to earn from one’s skill are both essential. He vowed to fight for better prices, fair trade, and dignity for makhana farmers.

His visit wasn’t just symbolic, it was a call to action. By highlighting the exploitation behind a popular superfood, Gandhi hopes to push for policy changes that benefit the real producers.

 What’s Next for Makhana Farmers?

Rahul Gandhi’s visit has sparked national attention. Videos of him roasting makhana and talking to farmers have gone viral. Many people are now asking: Why are the farmers paid so little? What can be done?

Here are some possible solutions being discussed:

• Setting up a Makhana Board: To regulate prices, support farmers, and improve marketing.
• Subsidizing machines: So small units can afford popping equipment and improve safety.
• Direct market access: Helping farmers sell directly to buyers, cutting out middlemen.
• Fair trade certification: Ensuring that makhana sold in stores gives a fair share to its producers.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier announced plans for a Makhana Board in Bihar, but farmers say they haven’t seen real change yet. Gandhi’s visit may reignite pressure on the government to act. As Bihar heads toward elections, makhana may become more than just a crop—it could be a symbol of the fight for justice, dignity, and fair wages.

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