Makhana Size

A Complete Guide to Makhana Grading and Sizing for New Businesses

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Makhana size in the most important thing you need to know If you’re planning to start a makhana business or add it to your product line, understanding its grading and sizing is crucial. Many new entrepreneurs are unfamiliar with the term “sutta” and how makhana is categorized.

In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about makhana sizes, the meaning of sutta, and frequently asked questions about the makhana trade

What is Soota (Suta) ?

Soota is a unit of length rarely used in daily life but essential in the makhana industry. To understand it better, let’s compare it with commonly used measurement systems:

  • MKS (SI) System:
    • Meter (M) – Length
    • Kilogram (Kg) – Weight
    • Second (S) – Time
  • FPS System:
    • Foot (F) – Length
    • Pound (P) – Weight
    • Second (S) – Time

In the FPS system, 1 Foot = 12 Inches, and each inch is further divided into 8 equal parts. Each of these parts is known as a Soota.

  • 1 Inch = 8 Soota
  • 1 Inch = 25.4mm
  • 1 Sutta = 3.175mm
    Click Here to know more about suta in Makhana

How Makhana is Sorted using Soota (Suta)?

Makhana nuts are graded based on their diameter. This diameter is measured in soota, helping traders determine the quality and pricing.

What us 4 Sutta, 5 Sutta and 6 Sutta Makhana?

  • 4 Soota Makhana: Nut size is greater than 4 sutta (12.5mm)
  • 5 Soota Makhana: Nut size is greater than 5 sutta (15.8mm)
  • 6 Soota Makhana: Nut size is greater than 6 sutta (19mm)

What is Olwa (Ulwa) Makhana?

In local terminology, Pure 4 Soota Makhana is called Ulwa (Olwa).

Size Range: Between 4 and 5 soota (12.7mm < Ulwa < 15.8mm)

What is Murra Makhana?

Murra refers to 3 Soota Makhana.

Size Range: Between 3 and 4 soota (9.5mm < Murra < 12.7mm)

Which Soota Makhana is Expensive?

The price of makhana depends on several factors such as:

  • Shape and color of the nut
  • Bulk density
  • Nut count
  • Percentage of flat and broken nuts

However, if we consider only size, the larger the nut, the higher the price:

  • 4 Soota < 5 Soota < 6 Soota (in terms of cost)

Which Makhana is Used for Export?

A common misconception is that only high-grade makhana is exported. The truth is, all types of makhana are exported depending on the importing country’s requirements and purchasing power.

  • Lower-income countries import lower-quality makhana.
  • Higher-income countries import premium-quality makhana.

How Frequently Does Makhana’s Price Change?

Makhana prices fluctuate due to various factors:

  • Government announcements (e.g., Union Budget)
  • Statements from influential leaders (e.g., PM Narendra Modi mentioning makhana in his breakfast)
  • Festivals (Navratri, Janmashtami, etc.)
  • Wedding seasons

Makhana prices in Bihar can drop or rise by ₹100-₹200 per kg within a single day due to market sentiment.

Practically Makhana price follow the basic economics of Supply and Demand. 

If Supply > Demand (Price Down)

If Demand > Supply (Price Up)

Final Thoughts

Starting a makhana business requires knowledge of grading and pricing. Understanding the soota system will help you make informed purchasing and selling decisions.

Need help sourcing high-quality makhana? Feel free to reach out at +91 9205600140 or [email protected]

All the Best !!