Mithila Makhana Bringing Delicacies from Pond to Plate

Mithila Naturals, based in the heart of Arer, Madhubani (Bihar), is revolutionizing India’s snacking landscape by blending tradition, wellness, and sustainability into every bite. Spearheaded by visionary founder Manish Anand, the brand has carved a niche in the premium fox nut (makhana) segment, delivering nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and antioxidant-rich snacks and dessert mixes that resonate with modern consumers while staying rooted in age-old practices.

At the core of Mithila Naturals’ innovation lies its pioneering “Water to Platter” model, an eco-conscious approach that ensures sustainable cultivation of makhana in Bihar’s rich wetland ecosystems. From responsible sourcing to precision processing, every phase is guided by rigorous quality standards and a deep reverence for nature.

Yet, the brand’s mission transcends nutrition. Mithila Naturals actively empowers rural communities by partnering with local farmers, promoting ethical sourcing, ensuring fair trade practices, and investing in skill development. In parallel, the company champions environmental stewardship through initiatives such as reforestation and water conservation, amplifying its positive impact beyond the farm.

The product portfolio continues to grow. Alongside its signature roasted “Laba” snacks, the brand now offers makhana powder, shakes, and dessert blends, earning shelf space not only across India but also in international markets. With this momentum, Mithila Naturals is redefining what it means to be a responsible, future-forward food brand.

In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Manish Anand, CEO of Mithila Naturals, delves into how the company is reshaping Bihar’s traditional makhana farming ecosystem. He outlines the transformation it brings to farmers’ livelihoods, explores the innovation behind its value-added products, offers insight into the integrated supply chain, and unveils the roadmap for national and global expansion.

Here are the key takeaways from his inspiring and purpose-driven journey.

Q: In what ways is Mithila Naturals transforming the traditional makhana farming ecosystem in Bihar, and what impact is this having on local farmers and the regional economy?

A: Since its inception in 2016, Mithila Naturals has led a quiet revolution in Bihar’s makhana farming landscape. With a dedicated team of over 100 professionals, the company has steadily scaled operations while staying deeply rooted in its mission to uplift communities through sustainable agriculture.

Bihar boasts more than 25,000 acres of fertile wetland across Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, and Supaul, regions perfectly suited for cultivating high-quality makhana. For Mithila Naturals, this rich agro-ecological zone presents an extraordinary opportunity to harness nature’s abundance for inclusive and scalable impact.

At the heart of its transformation strategy, Mithila Naturals sources directly from farmers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring transparent, fair pricing. Its signature “Water to Platter” model promotes eco-conscious practices, combining sustainable cultivation with localized processing and robust technical support to increase both productivity and profitability.

But the company’s impact extends far beyond farming. It creates dignified employment for women through skills training and job creation, while offering farmers guaranteed procurement to shield them from volatile market swings. By introducing value-added products and capitalizing on makhana’s Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Mithila Naturals is unlocking access to global markets, elevating both the brand and the region it represents.

On the ground, the company fuels rural entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly in Madhubani. As a result, it not only boosts farmer incomes but also curbs outmigration and strengthens Bihar’s agro-based economy from the grassroots up.

In essence, Mithila Naturals is building more than a brand; it’s building a movement. One that combines agricultural innovation with social equity, reshaping Bihar’s economic narrative for a global stage.

Q: How is the rise of makhana farming reshaping the livelihoods of farmers in Bihar, and what socio-economic benefits are emerging from this shift?

A: Bihar produces over 90% of India’s makhana, with its northern region offering ideal agro-climatic conditions for cultivation. Farmers here are consistently reaping higher yields and better prices compared to traditional cash crops. Over the past six years, makhana prices have tripled; so have the returns for cultivators, making it one of the most rewarding agricultural pursuits in the state.

This makhana revolution has transformed rural livelihoods. It now generates incomes that often double those from rice farming and supports more than 500,000 families, notably empowering women and the Mallah community. Modern farming techniques, bolstered by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and the establishment of a ₹100 crore Makhana Board, have enhanced productivity, mitigated climate-related risks, and encouraged value addition through farmer producer organizations (FPOs).

As Bihar now supplies over 90% of the world’s makhana, surging global demand is creating robust export opportunities. This agricultural shift is not just about profit, it is fuelling rural empowerment, curbing migration, and fostering inclusive socio-economic growth. Through targeted skill development and sustainable agri-entrepreneurship, makhana is reshaping Bihar’s future, one pond at a time.

Q: What range of value-added makhana products is Mithila Naturals producing, and how are they catering to evolving consumer preferences?

A: Makhana stands as our flagship product. At Mithila Naturals, we craft an extensive range, from plain makhana and roasted variants to makhana desserts and finely milled makhana powder. Our roasted makhana line features 10 bold flavours, while our kheer pre-mixes come in four delightful varieties: Elaichi, Rose, Kesar, and Classic. Each product boasts a shelf life of up to one year, ensuring both freshness and convenience.

We position makhana not just as a superfood but as a versatile culinary staple. Our makhana powder serves as a nutritious, ready-to-mix base for children’s health drinks, while our roasted makhana offers a guilt-free alternative to conventional snacks.

Driven by evolving consumer preferences, Mithila Naturals delivers premium, value-added makhana products that are gluten-free, low-fat, vegan, and often sugar-free. Our signature flavours, Peri Peri, Wasabi, and Tandoori Barbeque, cater to the modern palate while preserving the product’s traditional roots. Available in multiple pack sizes, our offerings emphasize clean-label, hand-picked ingredients and ready-to-eat convenience.

By blending heritage with innovation, we meet the demands of today’s health-conscious consumers while honouring the nutritional and cultural legacy of makhana. This commitment positions Mithila Naturals at the forefront of healthy snacking and functional food solutions in India and beyond.

Q: Can you describe the scale and reach of your supply chain network, and how it supports your sourcing and distribution operations?

A: Mithila Naturals stands proudly as one of the fastest-growing FMCG brands in Bihar, with a rapidly expanding footprint across India. We are directly connected to leading branded superstores nationwide, making our flagship product, Mithila Makhana, available in nearly every top retail outlet. While our domestic presence continues to surge, we have strategically prioritized global markets. Today, our products reach shelves in Australia, South Africa, the USA, the UK, and several East African nations.

Rooted in the fertile heartland of Mithila, which accounts for 90% of India’s Makhana production, our operations follow a fully integrated, farm-to-plate supply chain. We source directly from local farmers and women-led self-help groups, ensuring our products remain 100% organic and free from harmful pesticides. In doing so, we not only uphold superior quality but also empower rural communities through inclusive growth.

Our state-of-the-art in-house processing unit in Arer enables rigorous quality control at every stage. From there, we distribute pan-India through retail outlets, online platforms, and institutional channels. Globally, our exports continue to grow across the U.S., U.K., Middle East, and Australia.

What sets us apart is our scalable, sustainable sourcing model, built on strategic partnerships and ethical trade practices. This ensures a consistent global supply while delivering measurable social impact. Mithila Naturals isn’t just building a brand; we’re cultivating a movement rooted in tradition, driven by quality, and sustained by community.

Q: What are your short-term and long-term expansion plans, and which markets or product segments are you targeting for growth?

A: While Makhana remains our cornerstone, we are actively expanding our product portfolio to include other high-potential agro products such as mustard oil, spices, and sattu. In addition to makhana, we have already launched a line of traditional pickles, which has received encouraging market response. This is just the beginning.

Driven by our commitment to Bihar’s agrarian resurgence, Mithila Naturals is determined to transform both agricultural practices and value-added farm production. Our goal is to uplift the livelihoods of farmers across the state. By integrating technology into our processes, we are also making makhana more affordable, ensuring that quality doesn’t come at a premium. We firmly believe our consumers will see exceptional value in every product we offer.

In the near term, we are aggressively scaling our pan-India presence through e-commerce platforms and organized retail chains. Simultaneously, we are diversifying our offerings with innovative products such as roasted makhana snacks, traditional dessert mixes, and culturally inspired gift packs.

Looking ahead, our long-term vision is to establish Mithila Naturals as a global leader in exporting makhana and authentic Indian foods. We are actively targeting high-growth international markets including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Sustainability, farmer empowerment, and clean-label transparency form the foundation of our strategy. We are also building a robust ethnic and health-food portfolio anchored in our farm-to-fork model. By fusing the richness of traditional Indian flavours with contemporary health-conscious trends, we are crafting a brand that is not only premium and global, but proudly rooted in rural India.