India’s makhana industry is gaining international traction, but a question remains for domestic consumers: why does a traditional Indian food often carry a premium price tag in the very country that produces most of it?

India exported 7,264.89 metric tonnes of makhana and makhana products in FY 2025–26, valued at approximately ₹192.96 crore, according to government data. With demand expanding across international markets, the opportunity extends beyond exporting the raw product to developing branded snacks and other value-added foods. 

Why does makhana cost so much?

Unlike many conventional crops, makhana requires labour-intensive harvesting and specialised processing. Its seeds are collected from ponds or cultivated fields, cleaned, dried, roasted and popped through a process that has traditionally depended on skilled workers. The seeds also undergo multiple stages of handling before becoming the white, puffed product consumers recognise.

Research by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has highlighted the demanding nature of this process, while value-chain studies identify processing, grading, packaging, transportation and intermediary margins as contributors to the final retail price. The conversion from raw seed to popped makhana also means that considerably more raw material is needed to produce a kilogram of the finished product.

Premium packaging and branding add another layer to the price. As makhana enters organised retail and health-focused snack categories, flavoured varieties, smaller consumer packs, marketing and distribution can increase what shoppers pay. However, the extent of each cost depends on the product, quality and route to market.

Rising demand is another factor. Government data indicates that average makhana prices increased from around ₹500 per kilogram in 2020–22 to nearly ₹1,250 in 2025, while production grew by only 4–5% between FY 2021–22 and FY 2024–25. This points to a supply response that has struggled to keep pace with growing demand.

The opportunity lies beyond raw exports

India’s next challenge is to capture more value from its production advantage. Selling bulk makhana can open international markets, but processing, flavour development, quality standardisation and branding can create additional revenue opportunities for Indian businesses.

A July 2026 shipment of value-added flavoured makhana from Bihar to Canada demonstrated this potential. According to the government, the initiative enabled associated farmers to realise over 50% higher returns through value addition and improved market access. 

Yet, value addition must extend beyond the retail shelf. Better processing infrastructure, improved productivity, stronger farmer-producer organisations and more direct links between growers, processors and buyers could help distribute the gains more widely.

For consumers, the question is not simply whether makhana is worth its price, but what that price represents. For the industry, the bigger opportunity is to build a value chain in which export growth, product innovation and better farmer returns progress

Jivraj9 Tea Group has purchased tea worth ₹13 lakh at a special charity auction organised at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC), joining stakeholders from across India's tea industry in raising funds for communities affected by floods in Assam. The initiative collectively raised approximately ₹2.26 crore, with proceeds directed towards the Assam Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

The special auction generated ₹1.61 crore through tea sales, while an additional contribution of ₹65 lakh took the total amount raised to approximately ₹2.26 crore. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally wielded the auctioneer's hammer, with 12 ceremonial lots sold by him raising ₹99.51 lakh.

Jivraj9 Tea Group was among the participating buyers, joining major tea businesses and industry stakeholders who travelled from cities including Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad and Delhi to support the relief effort.

Commenting on the company's participation, Rushabh Shah, Executive Director, Jivraj9 Tea Group, said the tea industry's relationship with Assam extends beyond commercial interests and carries a shared responsibility towards the communities connected with the region's tea and agricultural ecosystem.

He added that the floods had affected local communities and livelihoods, making collective industry support particularly important. Shah said the company was proud to contribute alongside the wider tea fraternity in supporting Assam during the challenging period.

The auction brought together tea producers, buyers, brokers, warehouses and auctioneers, with participants across the value chain contributing to the initiative. Producers contributed tea, brokers and warehouses waived applicable charges, and GTAC facilitated the auction, enabling buyers to purchase the lots in support of the relief effort.

Jivraj9 Tea Group's participation also builds on its recent contribution of ₹12.5 lakh to the Assam Chief Minister's Relief Fund towards relief and rehabilitation efforts for flood-affected communities. The latest purchase at the charity auction further reflects the company's engagement with Assam, a key region in India's tea industry and an important part of its sourcing and value chain.

The initiative highlights the role of collective action in India's tea sector, bringing together businesses and industry partners to support communities during a time of need. By using an established industry platform to mobilise contributions, the charity auction demonstrates how commercial networks can also serve as channels for community support and relief.

World Pasta Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a comforting bowl of pasta, whether that means a classic Italian preparation, a rich and creamy creation or something a little more adventurous. On October 25, 2026, Mumbai's dining scene offers pasta lovers several options, from signature restaurant dishes to an interactive workshop that takes the experience beyond the plate.

Here are six places to explore this World Pasta Day.

1. Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner, Airport Road

Dish: Blush Hour Rigatoni | Price: ₹630 + taxes

For those who enjoy pasta with a rich, indulgent sauce, Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner offers its Blush Hour Rigatoni. The dish features rigatoni coated in a creamy vodka sauce, complemented by homemade ricotta and finished with fragrant basil oil. The combination of comforting flavours and a refined finish makes it a tempting choice for a leisurely pasta meal.

2. Berlin Brew, Multiple Outlets

Prices: ₹599 onwards

Berlin Brew celebrates Italian-inspired comfort food with a selection of hearty pasta dishes. Options include Vegetable Lasagne, Chicken Cannelloni with red pepper coulis, Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs in pomodoro sauce, and Fettuccine in carbonara sauce.

With vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, the menu offers a variety of flavours for diners looking to settle in for a satisfying pasta meal.

3. Luuma House, Juhu

Experience: Hands-on pasta-making workshop

For those who prefer getting involved in the cooking, Luuma House is hosting a pasta-making workshop on Sunday, October 25, from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Guests will get the opportunity to roll, shape and prepare pasta from scratch before cooking and enjoying their own creations. The interactive experience offers a different way to mark World Pasta Day, particularly for food enthusiasts keen to explore the craft behind a favourite Italian dish.

4. Tora, Versova

Dish: Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine | Price: ₹475 + taxes

Tora's Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine brings together silky ribbons of pasta and a rich mushroom sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan. Crisp fried greens and delicate potato crisps add contrasting textures to the creamy preparation, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy earthy flavours and comforting sauces.

5. Trapdoor, Versova

Dish: Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus | Price: ₹899 + taxes

For a more adventurous pasta experience, Trapdoor offers Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus. The dish combines squid ink pasta with tender baby octopus and delicate aromatics, delivering briny seafood flavours and a striking presentation. It is a distinctive option for diners who want to move beyond traditional pasta preparations.

6. BaaMee – All Day Eatery & Bar, Andheri

Dish: Three Cheese Ravioli | Price: ₹595 + taxes

BaaMee's Three Cheese Ravioli brings a comforting combination of pasta and cheese to the table. The delicate pasta parcels are filled with ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella, then served in a rich Sicilian tomato sauce. The creamy filling and vibrant tomato flavours make this a satisfying pick for diners who enjoy classic Italian-inspired comfort food.

Make a Pasta Date This World Pasta Day

From creamy sauces and cheese-filled ravioli to seafood-led creations and pasta made by hand, Mumbai's dining destinations offer different ways to celebrate World Pasta Day. Whether you prefer a familiar favourite or want to experiment with new flavours, these six options provide plenty of inspiration for a pasta-focused outing.

Note: Prices are subject to applicable taxes where specified. Workshop availability and participation details should be confirmed directly with the venue.