Malda, April 15 -- The growing makhana (fox nut) industry in West Bengal's Malda district has suffered a significant setback amid the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran, which has disrupted exports to key Middle Eastern markets.

Traders and exporters associated with the business said that logistical challenges, including delays and decline in demand and prices of the commodities, as well as severe disruption on shipments to the Gulf region, one of the primary destinations for ''makhana exports, have significantly affected the market.

With export orders declining and uncertainty looming over future trade, local businessmen have urged the state government to step in with measures to promote and stabilise the ind...