Bihar’s Gulfraz Becomes a Millionaire with Success of ‘Modi Makhana’

Gulfraz, a 23-year-old Bihar entrepreneur, is making the state's largest makhana (fox nut) production a global brand through his startup Modi Makhana.

Having completed his B.Tech, Gulfraz started a makhana processing unit under the Startup India initiative with an aim to generate employment and serve his community.

The title of his brand, "Modi Makhana," is named in honor of the focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on youth power and entrepreneurship, which greatly motivated Gulfraz's pursuit of business.

Although hesitant at first on the part of his family, who wanted him to take up a more conventional career after obtaining admission into one of Bihar's limited engineering schools, Gulfraz was adamant to do something good. He wanted to create a business which would not only benefit him but also generate employment in his locality. He was particularly inspired by a lecture at his university years on the possibility of makhana, and Modi's Bihar tour, during which he talked about the potential of the superfood.

Early and humble, Gulfraz launched his business in a 500-square-foot workshop with a small team. His focus on quality and innovation has paid off, and the firm now operates in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Gulfraz is now expanding his business by setting up sophisticated machinery to produce all types of makhana-based items and is seeking international markets.

His decision to name the brand "Modi Makhana" on Prime Minister Modi's birthday in 2020 was not an accident, leveraging the worldwide-recognized name to create a brand that really stands out. The decision clearly worked, with his brand taking off and the factory giving many in his area employment.

One of his employees recounted, "I am happy to work here in my own village. I thank Gulfraz for giving me this opportunity." Gulfraz's tale is a prime example of how innovation and entrepreneurship can give a boost to regional industries, create jobs, and bring region-specific products like makhana into national and international limelight.