About Dry Fruits
India grows walnuts and almonds in Kashmir, makhana in Bihar and raisins in Maharashtra, and imports almonds, pistachios, dates and figs for one of the world's biggest dry-fruit markets.
Where Dry Fruits Is Grown in Bihar
The main dry fruits districts of Bihar are Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa. Bihar grows rice and wheat across the fertile Gangetic plain, high-yield rabi maize in the Kosi and Purnea belt, and is famous for Muzaffarpur's Shahi Litchi and Mithila's makhana. It is also a big producer of potato, onion, vegetables, masoor and banana.
Season in Bihar
Walnuts and almonds Aug–Oct; makhana Aug–Oct; raisins Mar–May. Exact arrival dates in Bihar depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Dry Fruits Is Sold in Bihar
Bihar repealed its APMC Act in 2006, so most produce is sold to private traders, local haats and bazaars rather than regulated mandis. Paddy and wheat are bought by PACS (primary agricultural credit societies) for the state.
Key markets for Dry Fruits in Bihar
Other major markets in Bihar
- Gulabbagh, PurneaMaizeAboutExplore
- MuzaffarpurLitchiAboutExplore
- Patna Bazar SamitiGrains, vegetablesAboutExplore
State Agencies in Bihar
Dry Fruits has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. State marketing bodies regulate the markets and support farmer producer organisations.
- Bihar State Food and Civil Supplies CorporationGrain procurementAboutExplore
- PACS (primary agricultural credit societies)Village-level paddy and wheat buyingAboutExplore
- Makhana Board (announced 2025)Makhana sectorAboutExplore
Quality and Price Notes
Kashmir walnuts are sold in-shell and as kernels, graded by colour (light kernels fetch the most) and size. Kashmiri almonds such as Mamra are prized for their oil and taste but are a small crop compared with imports. Both are harvested in August–October and reach markets in time for Diwali.
Makhana seeds are gathered by hand from pond beds, sun-dried, roasted and popped. The work is traditionally done by the Mallah community of Mithila. Graded by size into "lawa" grades, makhana is sold to wholesalers in Darbhanga and Purnea and then to brands, which sell roasted and flavoured makhana snacks across India and abroad.
Import duties on almonds and other nuts, the California almond crop, the Afghan and Iranian trade situation, and festive demand all affect dry-fruit prices. Diwali and wedding gifting create the strongest seasonal peak.
Buyers, Processors and Exporters
These companies and bodies buy, process or export dry fruits across India, including from Bihar. Tap a name for details.
- Happilo International Pvt LtdDry fruitsAboutExplore
- Farmley (Connedit Business Solutions Pvt Ltd)Dry fruits and makhanaAboutExplore
- Tata Consumer Products LtdTata Sampann dry fruitsAboutExplore
- Khari Baoli, DelhiDry-fruit wholesale marketAboutExplore
Research and Advice in Bihar
New varieties, crop advice and seed for dry fruits growers in Bihar come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- Bihar Agricultural UniversitySabourAboutExplore
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural UniversityPusa, SamastipurAboutExplore
Dry Fruits in Other States
Jammu and Kashmir · Maharashtra · Gujarat · Himachal Pradesh
Related: Dry Fruits – all India · Bihar · All crops
Names are listed for reference only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. The About and Explore buttons open Google in a new tab; results there are generated by Google and third parties, not by this site. Prices, MSP, export rules and schemes change often. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice. Full disclaimer