Bihar Friends Turn ₹3 Lakh Into Global Makhana Empire

After a decade working in Bengaluru, Syed Faraz made a bold choice: return home to Bihar and bet everything on makhana, the crunchy foxnut snack most people barely notice.

He teamed up with his friend Shishir, pooled together ₹3 lakh, and launched Shhe Foods. The odds weren't great for turning a humble local snack into an international sensation.

The early days tested their resolve. Machines broke down constantly, and convincing buyers that Bihar makhana deserved global attention required endless hustle. But Faraz and Shishir kept pushing forward, fixing problems as they arose and refusing to scale back their vision.

Ten years of corporate experience taught Faraz valuable business lessons, but building something from scratch in rural Bihar brought entirely new challenges. Every setback became a learning opportunity, every small win fuel to keep going.

Their persistence paid off in ways they hadn't imagined. Today, Shhe Foods partners with over 300 local farmers, creating stable income streams in rural communities. The company supplies makhana to more than 41 brands, bringing Bihar's specialty snack to customers across the globe.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond two successful entrepreneurs. Those 300+ farming families now have reliable buyers for their crops, reducing the uncertainty that makes agricultural life so precarious. Income stability means better education for children, improved healthcare access, and hope for the future.

Local jobs emerged as the business grew, keeping young people in Bihar instead of forcing them to migrate for work. The success of Shhe Foods proved that rural India holds untapped potential waiting for the right combination of vision and commitment.

Other entrepreneurs in the region now see what's possible. You don't need to abandon your hometown or chase opportunities in big cities to build something meaningful. Sometimes the best business idea sits right in your backyard, waiting for someone brave enough to believe in it.

Two friends, ₹3 lakh, and unshakeable faith in a local product just put Bihar on the global snack map.