The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured Makhana (fox nuts) from Bihar to Canada, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to expand exports of processed agricultural products. The consignment, flagged off from Darbhanga on July 29, 2026, highlights the growing global acceptance of Bihar’s premium Makhana and showcases the potential of value addition in enhancing farmers’ incomes and strengthening agricultural exports.
The shipment consisted of 7 metric tonnes of flavoured Makhana packed in two containers and dispatched through Mundra Port for its destination in Canada. The consignment is being exported to ZKV Foods, Canada, with processing and packaging carried out by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited. The products were prepared in compliance with international quality and food safety standards, reflecting the increasing capability of Bihar’s food processing sector to cater to global markets.
Milestone for Bihar’s Agri-Export Sector
The export represents an important step in positioning Bihar as a leading supplier of value-added agricultural products rather than merely exporting raw produce. Makhana has long been one of the state’s signature crops, but the successful shipment of flavoured variants demonstrates how processing and branding can significantly increase the product’s market appeal overseas.
The initiative also aligns with India’s broader strategy of promoting processed food exports and encouraging agricultural value addition to generate higher returns across the supply chain.
APEDA Highlights Collaborative Efforts
The flag-off ceremony was attended by APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev, who praised the coordinated efforts of exporters, processors, farmers, government officials and industry stakeholders in making the shipment possible.
He noted that collaborative initiatives such as this are helping strengthen Bihar’s agri-export ecosystem by improving market access, encouraging value addition and creating new opportunities for the state’s agricultural products in international markets.
The event was also attended by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Scientist at the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region’s Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga, District Agriculture Marketing Officer Shri Loknath Thakur, senior APEDA officials, exporters and stakeholders associated with the Makhana value chain.
Value Addition Boosts Farmers’ Earnings
One of the key outcomes of the initiative has been the substantial increase in returns for farmers. According to APEDA, farmers associated with the value-added flavoured Makhana supply chain have realised more than 50 per cent higher returns compared to conventional marketing.
The improved earnings have been driven by processing, branding and better access to international buyers willing to pay premium prices for high-quality, ready-to-consume healthy snacks.
The development underlines the importance of moving beyond primary agricultural production and investing in food processing and export-oriented manufacturing to improve farm incomes.
Bihar’s Makhana Gains Global Recognition
Bihar is India’s largest producer of Makhana, a nutrient-rich aquatic crop popularly known as fox nuts. Rich in protein, fibre and essential minerals, Makhana has gained popularity worldwide as consumers increasingly seek healthy, natural and plant-based snack options.
The growing international demand has created new export opportunities for Indian producers. Introducing flavoured variants further expands the product’s appeal by catering to changing consumer preferences in overseas markets, where convenient and value-added food products continue to witness strong demand.
Industry experts believe that successful exports such as this could encourage more processors to diversify their product offerings and strengthen India’s position in the global healthy snacks market.
Strengthening India’s Agri-Export Ecosystem
APEDA has been actively working with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders to improve India’s agricultural export ecosystem. Its initiatives include strengthening export infrastructure, promoting quality certification, ensuring compliance with international standards, building market linkages and supporting value addition across agricultural commodities.
The successful shipment of flavoured Makhana demonstrates the effectiveness of these efforts in creating export-ready products that meet global quality expectations.
As international demand for nutritious and premium food products continues to grow, Bihar’s Makhana industry is expected to benefit from greater investment in processing, branding and overseas market development. The landmark sea shipment to Canada not only opens a new chapter for Bihar’s agricultural exports but also reinforces India’s commitment to promoting value-added farm products that generate sustainable income opportunities for farmers while expanding the country’s presence in global food markets.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
