18 MT consignment sourced from Darbhanga farmers enables nearly 18 per cent higher returns

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated first-ever commercial sea shipment of 18 Metric Tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was exported from the BIADA Industrial Area, Bihta, Bihar, to Australia. The consignment, sourced from Makhana growers of Darbhanga district, is expected to strengthen the international presence of Bihar's flagship GI product while creating enhanced income opportunities for farmers through export-led market access.

The export consignment was flagged off by the Agriculture Minister, Government of Bihar Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha. The ceremony was attended by the Director of Horticulture, Government of Bihar, officers of APEDA, representatives of the exporter, logistics partners and progressive Makhana growers from the region.

The initiative has enabled farmers to realise nearly 18 per cent higher returns than prevailing market rates, highlighting the benefits of export-oriented value chains and direct market linkages. The export is expected to strengthen the international presence of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, create sustainable export opportunities for Bihar's Makhana sector and contribute to higher farmer incomes.

The consignment was exported by M/s NIAD Green, with logistics support from M/s Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., a startup supported under APEDA's BHARATI (Bharat's Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation). Comprising premium-quality raw GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, the consignment was sourced directly from farmers of Darbhanga district and packed at the BIADA Industrial Area, Bihta, Bihar.

Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Minister, Government of Bihar, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, said that Makhana is the identity of Bihar and greater participation of Bihar-based exporters in international trade would enable farmers to secure better price realisation. He emphasised the importance of maintaining quality standards to meet global market requirements and stated that the Government of Bihar is continuously working to strengthen the Makhana value chain by supporting growers, processors and exporters. He further said that all necessary support would continue to be extended to the Phori community, whose traditional skills are integral to Makhana processing. He added that the first-ever sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia reflects the growing global demand for Bihar's agricultural products and opens new opportunities for farmers and exporters.

APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the export in association with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar. APEDA has been consistently promoting Makhana exports through capacity building, market development initiatives, export facilitation and stakeholder engagement. The Authority also supported the exporter in market access facilitation and coordination, contributing to the seamless movement of the consignment to Australia.

Bihar accounts for nearly 85 per cent of India's Makhana production. To further strengthen the sector, a separate HS Code for Makhana came into effect from July 2025 under the Finance Bill, 2025. During FY 2025–26, India exported more than 7,000 Metric Tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products to over 20 international destinations, including the USA, the Middle East and Africa.

APEDA continues to work closely with State Governments, exporters, startups, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and other stakeholders to enhance the global competitiveness of India's agricultural products while creating sustainable export-led growth opportunities for farmers across the country.