Latest news with #MakhanaBoard
News18
19-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Nearly 3 in 5 Indians Choose Makhanas As Their Go-To Healthy Snack, Reveals Report
Over 55% of those surveyed said they actively seek snacks that are clean and preservative-free, says report India's leading wholesome snacking brand, Farmley, unveiled the second edition of its flagship Healthy Snacking Report at the Indian Healthy Snacking Summit (IHSS) 2025 held in New Delhi. Drawing insights from respondents across generations, professions and cities, the 2025 report presents a vivid picture of how India snacks today, blending tradition with modernity, taste with functionality, and indulgence with health consciousness. The report reveals that Indian consumers are no longer willing to settle for bland 'healthy" snacks or feel guilt over indulgent treats. Over 55% of those surveyed said they actively seek snacks that are clean and preservative-free. These trends indicate a major shift toward functional snacking, where every bite aligns with wellness goals. Packaging has also become a major purchase driver. 52% of respondents said they prefer resealable, eco-conscious packaging. Makhanas and flavoured dry fruits are leading this revolution in format. Roasted and flavoured dry fruits have emerged as the most preferred savoury snack, with 36% favouring them, while 19% of respondents specifically chose makhana, showing its successful transition into a modern-day super-snack. This growing popularity aligns with the Government of India's recent announcement of establishing a Makhana Board in Bihar under Union Budget 2025-26. Interestingly, while newer formats are gaining traction, legacy choices such as chips and wafers still hold ground with 14% choosing them, followed by namkeen and multigrain snacks like khakhras at 10% and 9% respectively. Sweet snacks too are evolving. While chocolate continues to reign as India's all-time favourite, nutty flavours like peanut butter, hazelnut, and pistachio are now preferred for their blend of taste and health. Speaking on the findings, Akash Sharma, co-founder, Farmley, said 'This year's report reflects a clear evolution. From snacking out of habit to snacking with purpose. Consumers today are seeking flavour and functionality in every bite, and are no longer willing to compromise between taste and trust. That's where Farmley leads, creating guilt-free indulgences that people feel good about choosing." Snacking habits are also being reshaped by lifestyle changes. Nearly 45% of consumers now prefer on-the-go snack formats like dry fruit-based desserts and energy bars that are portable, clean-label, and functional. This is particularly reflective of India's growing urban workforce, where desk-side indulgence is expected to deliver on both convenience and conscious consumption. Brand loyalty, once concentrated around legacy players, is now diversifying through multiple channels. While traditional offline aisles dominate for discovery and planned purchases, quick commerce and influencer-led content has driven a surge in impulse snacking, especially among Gen Z and millennials who order packaged snacks weekly at double the rate of older consumers (43% vs 28%). Meanwhile, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are increasingly embracing regional players who, despite lacking national advertising muscle, build deep trust through consistent quality and community presence. This shift signals a broader cultural change where transparency, reliability, and local connection matter as much as flavour and marketing reach. While taste remains king, the wave of health consciousness we saw in last year's report seems to have held, with more consumers shunning mindless munching for wholesome, nutritious options. view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 13:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
18-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
India's eastern states engines of growth, just as eastern nations are rising: PM
New Delhi: India's eastern states are gaining momentum, and will be engines of growth for the country, just like eastern nations are rising globally, prime minister Narendra Modi said on Friday at a rally in poll-bound Bihar's Motihari, where he inaugurated new development projects worth over ₹ 7,000 crore. He inaugurated projects in the rail, road, rural development, fisheries, electronics and information technology sectors, the government said in a statement. Speaking in Bihar ahead of the state's assembly elections likely in October-November, Modi said that over the past decade, the Centre has allocated nearly ₹ 9 trillion for the state's development, compared with ₹ 2 trillion in the preceding decade. Modi also said over the past 11 years, more than 40 million houses have been built under the PM Awas Yojana across the country, with nearly 60,00,000 constructed in Bihar alone. India's eastern states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, are among the poorest in the country. Modi also spoke about benefits received by women and farmers in Bihar under central schemes. He said the Centre's Jan Dhan Yojana for financial inclusion has benefited women, with about 35 million women in the state opening new bank accounts till date. In the past one-and-a-half months alone, over 24,000 self-help groups in the state have received more than ₹ 1,000 crore in assistance, through the Jan Dhan accounts. Over 20,00,000 women in Bihar have become 'Lakhpati didis'—women with a net worth of over ₹ 1 lakh due to the Centre's push for financial inclusion. The government's efforts to promote makhanas (fox nuts) had pushed global prices up, Modi said, adding that a Makhana Board has been formed to support the sector. Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, approximately ₹ 3.5 trillion has been disbursed to farmers across the country, andthat in Motihari alone, over 500,000 farmers have received more than ₹ 1,500 crore through this also said the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, recently approved by the Union cabinet, will identify, prioritise, and provide financial benefits to farmers in 100 districts that agriculturally-rich in potential but lagging in productivity and farmer projects inaugurated by Modi on Friday included the development of infrastructure for maintenance of Vande Bharat trains at Patliputra,and automatic signalling on Bhatni-Chhapra Gramin rail line (114 km) to enable streamlined train operations. He also inaugurated a new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility at Darbhanga and an Incubation Facility of STPI at Patna for promoting the information technology (IT) industry and startups.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From free power to makhana board, Nitish hails PM Modi's development push
Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Friday disclosed that the decision to provide 125 units of free power per house in the state was "on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi". While sharing dais with Modi at Motihari, Nitish said, "We respect him (Modi) a lot and we have been working in a manner that is in keeping with his advice." Modi responded to the remark by folding his hands. The CM also thanked Modi for taking time off to visit different parts of Bihar almost every month. Lauding Modi for his assistance in development of Bihar, Nitish said, "PM announced a significant financial package for the state in July 2024 Union Budget, focusing on roads, health, industry, tourism, and flood control. Following this, the Feb 2025 Union Budget included announcements for the establishment of a Makhana Board, an airport, and financial support for the Western Kosi Canal in Bihar." "Recently, the central govt provided Bihar with the opportunity to host the Khelo India Youth Games, which is a matter of pride for the state. I pay my respects to the Prime Minister. He is doing excellent work. I once again extend my greetings and thanks to the PM. He visits Bihar and inaugurates and lays the foundation for various development projects," Nitish said. Assailing his previous Congress and RJD-led govts for poor development, the CM said, "You all know how the condition in the state before 2005 was. No work was done. On Nov 24, 2005, when the NDA govt was formed here, we started working on development. We have been working for the growth of Bihar for 20 years. Earlier, Bihar's annual budget used to be only Rs 24,000 crore. Now it has increased to more than Rs 3 lakh crore. Work is being done in the interest of the people. I thank the Prime Minister for his special attention to Bihar." In his address, PM Modi praised Nitish for his efforts towards the development of Bihar. He said Nitish govt has provided jobs to millions of youths in the state with complete transparency and has also resolved to create employment opportunities on a large scale. "Through the Jeevika Didi scheme, Nitish Kumar has paved the way for women to become self-reliant. The Nitish govt has increased the social security pension scheme from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 per month, with the money being directly deposited into the beneficiaries' bank accounts. This decision will bring significant relief to the elderly, differently-abled individuals, and widowed sisters," the PM said.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre accepts minister's suggestions for makhana board development
Patna: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has accepted the suggestions of Bihar industries minister Nitish Mishra regarding the development of Makhana board in the state. Mishra on Wednesday shared Chouhan's reply to his letter on April 8, in which he had requested the agriculture and farmers welfare minister to include the industry-based framework (terms of reference) in the National Makhana Board. "The Union agriculture minister has written a letter and informed me that the suggestions I have given are being included in the programs of the Makhana Board," Mishra stated. Chouhan, through his letter, informed Mishra that the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare has started the process of setting up the National Makhana Board to improve the production, processing, value addition and marketing of makhana as well as to provide training and assistance to makhana farmers after the Budget announcement 2025. A meeting was held with makhana farmers and stakeholders at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Makhana Research Center, Darbhanga on February 23, 2025 on the establishment of the board, its objectives and the development programs to be undertaken by the board. Mishra mentioned that makhana had global recognition as a super food. In December 2024, MoUs were signed for an investment proposal of Rs1,81,491 crore in the state at the Bihar Business Connect Investors Summit. The establishment of the makhana processing industry will make a significant contribution to the economy of agriculture-dominated Bihar, the Jhanjharpur MLA from Madhubani wrote to Chouhan. "Along with self-reliance, it will also generate employment and investment opportunities on a large scale," Mishra said.
India Today
02-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Humble makhana gets a fancy makeover in Indian homes this summer
When you think of foxnuts — yes, the humble makhana — you might be reminded of your evening breaks, relishing this roasted and crunchy superfood with a cup of chai. You may also recall Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who mentioned at a rally earlier this year that he eats makhanas 300 days a year. Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan might come to mind too, as she has been an outspoken fan of makhanas, calling them her go-to snack for recent years, the popularity of makhanas has surged — not just in India, but globally. The United States, Canada, and Australia are among the top importers, sourcing these 'black diamonds' from nutritional value is, undoubtedly, a prominent reason why it holds the title of a global superfood. This is further supported by the growing presence of nutrition and health experts sharing information on social media platforms. It is hailed as an excellent choice for those aiming for weight loss due to its high protein and low-calorie content. With high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids, it helps combat inflammation and the annual budget this year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that a "Makhana Board" would be set up in Bihar. The reason? Well, to enhance production, processing, value addition, and marketing of is the largest producer of these nuts in India, contributing 80 per cent of the country's supply, yet it has struggled to capitalise on the growing global demand for this these developments, makhanas are enjoying a gourmet makeover in Indian homes this summer. Traditionally, they were relished as roasted snacks paired with coffee or chai. Other popular preparations include makhana bhel and rich, creamy kheer. Before gaining popularity as a mainstream snack, makhana was primarily known as a traditional offering (prasad) at summer of 2025, however, marks a rather fancy era for makhanas. From wholesome smoothies to lip-smacking mousse desserts and ice creams, they are emerging as a key ingredient in a variety of appealing homemade dishes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ankini Singha | Healthy Recipes (@thebalancecooking)Chefs admit to the versatility of makhanas too, saying there's no end to the delicious possibilities they offer.'Once associated with fasting foods or simple roasted snacks, they're now showing up in haute home cuisine — thanks to their neutral flavour, light texture, and health halo. Their adaptability is key: when soaked and blended, makhanas lend a silky body to smoothies and mousses, often replacing cream or nut butters for a lighter, low-calorie alternative. In ice creams, they act almost like a starchy emulsifier, giving structure and a creamy mouthfeel without overpowering the base flavour,' explains Chef Shipra Khanna.A whole new wave of makhana-based recipes has taken Instagram by storm — and they're surprisingly easy to recreate at home. The goal? To infuse your favourite treats with a powerful punch of makhana nutrition without sacrificing on taste. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SizzlingSnap (@sizzlingsnap)For instance, blend some makhanas, nuts and seeds along with milk, dark chocolate, dates, cocoa powder and peanut butter. Voila, you have a mousse ready, that you can further top with your favourite standout recipe is a homemade makhana choco bar. Simply soak makhanas and almonds in milk, then blend them with honey, vanilla essence, and milk powder to form a creamy mixture. Pour it into moulds and freeze for 12 hours. Once frozen, dip the bars into a melted chocolate and coconut oil mix. In just a minute, the coating hardens — delivering that satisfying crunch reminiscent of your favourite store-bought ice cream refreshing one that you can try is a mango makhana smoothie summer — tropical, nourishing, and deliciously guilt-free. Just blend mango, roasted makhana, dates, cocoa powder, vanilla essence, and milk; add chia seeds if you like. It's a sweet, energising treat that's as Instagram-worthy as it is healthy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gunjan | Healthy & Easy Recipes (@crispylayers)Chef Daya Shankar Chaubey, Executive Chef, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort, explains that makhana is gluten-free and hence is an excellent option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. To make makhana-based dishes tastier, he recommends toasting or roasting it.'It brings out its nutty flavour and crunchy texture,' Chef Chaubey Astik Oberoi, Pastry Chef at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, agrees and says: lightly toasting makhanas on a slow flame in clarified butter (ghee) for any preparation would help to highlight the nuttiness.'Makhana can also be easily baked in an oven before usage to get the best texture,' adds Chef should also consider soaking makhana to soften it, especially while making smoothies or makhana has a neutral flavour, you can experiment with it a lot. It pairs well with a range of flavours like cardamom, peri peri, vanilla, and how are you using makhana this season at home?Trending Reel advertisement
