Khakha powder is a by-product of milling psyllium seed into husk. It is the fine, mixed fraction left after the good husk has been separated, and it contains husk fines, kernel particles and dust.
Most khakha is sold for animal feed. It is far below the purity of husk grades, and it is not a substitute for husk in food or medicine.
How khakha is produced
When a mill processes psyllium seed, it gets several streams. The main one is husk, separated into purity grades. The inner kernel, often called gola, comes off as another stream. Between them sits a fine, mixed fraction that is too impure to sell as husk. That fraction is khakha.
Names vary between mills and traders. Some use khakha for one fraction and other terms for similar ones. Always ask the seller exactly which stream they are offering and get a sample. The amount of khakha a mill produces depends on seed quality and how hard it cleans its husk. A mill pushing for a top grade puts more material into the lower fractions. The main products are explained in the difference between psyllium husk, husk powder and seed.
Who buys it
- Animal feed compounders, who use it as a source of fibre and bulk.
- Livestock traders and farms near the producing region.
- Some feed and industrial buyers abroad who want a low-cost binding or bulking material.
What to watch for
Because khakha is a by-product, it varies a lot between mills and even between days. It usually carries more dust, ash and kernel than husk, and lower swell volume.
- Ash and acid-insoluble ash: often higher, because fine dirt concentrates in this fraction.
- Mycotoxins and microbiology: test them, especially if stored for long in humid conditions.
- Moisture: keep it within your limit to avoid mould in transit.
- Consistency: ask for a sample from the actual lot, not a standard sample.
- Misuse: make sure khakha is not being sold to you, or into your supply chain, as low-grade husk.
Rules still apply to feed
Feed is regulated in most importing countries. Limits on contaminants such as aflatoxin, heavy metals and pesticide residues can apply, and the importer is responsible for meeting them. Check the rules with your own feed authority before you buy.
Describe the product accurately on invoices, labels and certificates. That keeps it from being mistaken for husk further down the supply chain.
If you supply pet food, the requirements and grades can be closer to food. See psyllium in pet food and the grade needed.
Where we come in
We source khakha and other psyllium by-products directly from mills, not through resellers, so you know which stream you are buying. We test lot samples at an NABL-accredited lab for ash, moisture and contaminants before loading. Ask for a free sourcing review.