Bihar is by far the largest producer of lotus seeds (makhana) in India. The northern districts of Bihar are known for the cultivation of lotus.
Uttar Pradesh also contributes to lotus cultivation, especially in areas like Varanasi and Lucknow.
West Bengal, particularly around the Sundarbans and Murshidabad, grows a variety of lotus, which is used for both decorative and culinary purposes.
Madhya Pradesh is another state where lotus is grown, especially in its water-rich regions, contributing to both the flower and seed production.
In Assam, lotus flowers are cultivated in abundance, particularly in wetlands and areas around Kaziranga and Majuli Island.
While lotus is not as widely cultivated as in other northern states, some regions in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the Kaveri River basin.