Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal

Makhana (Fox Nut)

Makhana (fox nut), the lotus-seed-derived health snack grown in district ponds, is a recognised cultivation of Uttar Dinajpur — the district is named alongside Malda in parliamentary questions on government steps to increase makhana production and support farmers. Local suppliers and traders (e.g. makhana and maize traders at Raiganj/Dalkhola markets) sell raw, roasted and processed makhana in bulk and retail. The district's water bodies and fertile lands are cited as ideal for makhana cultivation. Buyers get a gluten-free, low-GI snack with a local North Bengal agricultural pedigree.

Typical price: ₹200-600 per kg

Buying tip: Buy roasted makhana from local dealers in the Raiganj/Dalkhola market area or through district makhana suppliers; check that kernels are uniformly popped and fresh, and prefer small-batch roasted packs over heavily salted versions.