In a significant boost to Bihar’s agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever commercial sea shipment of 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia. The consignment was dispatched from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta and was sourced directly from Makhana growers in Darbhanga district.
The export is expected to expand the global footprint of Bihar’s iconic Makhana while opening new avenues for farmers to benefit from international markets. The initiative also highlights the growing importance of export-oriented agricultural value chains in improving farm incomes.
Farmers Receive Better Returns Through Export Linkages
One of the key outcomes of the shipment is the improved price realisation for participating farmers. The growers involved in the export received nearly 18 per cent higher returns compared with prevailing market rates.
The development demonstrates how direct connections between farmers and overseas markets can create additional value at the farm level. With growing international demand for Makhana, stronger export channels could provide producers with more stable and remunerative market opportunities.
Agriculture Minister Flags Off Consignment
The shipment was flagged off by Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Agriculture Minister, Government of Bihar. The event was attended by the Director of Horticulture, Government of Bihar, APEDA officials, representatives of the exporter and logistics partners, along with progressive Makhana growers from the region.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha described Makhana as an important symbol of Bihar and stressed the need for greater participation of Bihar-based exporters in international trade. He said stronger export linkages could help farmers secure better prices while contributing to the development of the state’s Makhana sector.
The minister also underlined the importance of maintaining quality standards in line with international market requirements. He said the state government was working to strengthen the entire Makhana value chain by supporting growers, processors and exporters.
He further highlighted the traditional expertise of the Phori community in Makhana processing and said continued support would be extended to the community, whose skills remain an integral part of the sector.
Exporter Supported Through APEDA’s Startup Initiative
The consignment was exported by M/s NIAD Green, while logistics support was provided by M/s Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd. The logistics company is a startup supported under APEDA’s BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation) initiative.
The shipment consists of premium-quality raw GI-tagged Mithila Makhana. The produce was procured directly from farmers in Darbhanga and packed at the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta before being transported to Australia.
APEDA facilitated the export in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar. The authority provided support for market-access facilitation and coordination, helping ensure the smooth movement of the shipment.
Bihar Dominates India’s Makhana Production
Bihar is the leading Makhana-producing state in India, accounting for nearly 85 per cent of the country’s total production. Mithila Makhana received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, strengthening its identity and recognition as a distinctive regional agricultural product.
A separate HS Code for Makhana also came into effect from July 2025 under the Finance Bill, 2025. The dedicated classification is expected to improve the tracking and visibility of Makhana in international trade.
India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products during FY 2025–26 to more than 20 overseas markets. These destinations include the United States, countries in the Middle East and markets across Africa.
APEDA Pushes Agricultural Exports
APEDA has been working with state governments, exporters, startups, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and other stakeholders to strengthen India’s agricultural export ecosystem.
The latest shipment to Australia represents another step towards expanding international market access for Bihar’s Makhana growers. By combining farmer sourcing, quality-focused processing, logistics support and export facilitation, such initiatives can help transform regional agricultural products into globally competitive commodities.
The first commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia is therefore expected to create new opportunities for Bihar’s farmers, processors and exporters while further establishing Makhana as a high-potential Indian agricultural product in international 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]
