First Shipment of Bihar’s Mithila Makhana Exports to Australia
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has marked a significant milestone by facilitating the first-ever commercial sea shipment of 18 Metric Tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, Bihar, to Australia. This historic consignment, sourced from the dedicated Makhana farmers of the Darbhanga district, aims to enhance the international profile of Bihar’s prized agricultural product while providing improved income opportunities for local farmers through export-led outreach.
Official Flag-Off Ceremony
The ceremonial flag-off of the shipment was officiated by Bihar’s Agriculture Minister, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha. In attendance were key figures including the Director of Horticulture from the Bihar government, APEDA officials, logistics partners from Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., and progressive Makhana growers from the region.
Economic Benefits for Farmers
This export initiative is expected to provide farmers with nearly 18 percent higher returns compared to local market rates, demonstrating the advantages of export-oriented value chains and direct market connections. By tapping into international markets, the venture seeks to bolster the global standing of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, thereby fostering sustainable export opportunities for Bihar’s Makhana sector and enhancing farmer income.
Logistics and Export Support
The consignment, composed of premium-quality, raw GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, was organized by M/s NIAD Green. This export operation benefitted from the logistical support of M/s Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., a startup nurtured under APEDA’s BHARATI initiative, which aims to innovate and incubate export potentials.
Minister Sinha highlighted that Makhana is a defining product for Bihar, and increased participation by local exporters in global trade will enable farmers to achieve better pricing. He underscored the significance of adhering to quality standards to meet international market demands. The government remains dedicated to fortifying the Makhana value chain by providing ongoing support to growers, processors, and exporters. Furthermore, he emphasized that the first sea shipment to Australia reflects the rising global appetite for Bihar’s agricultural goods and presents new pathways for both farmers and exporters.
APEDA’s Role and Future Outlook
APEDA, under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, collaborated with the Department of Agriculture, Bihar, to support this export endeavor. The authority has been actively promoting Makhana exports through various initiatives aimed at capacity building and market development. Its continued efforts in facilitating market access have ensured a seamless journey for this consignment to Australia.
In terms of production, Bihar contributes roughly 85 percent of India’s Makhana output. To further cement this sector’s growth, a dedicated HS Code for Makhana will be implemented from July 2025 as outlined in the Finance Bill of 2025. In FY 2025-26, India is projected to export over 7,000 Metric Tonnes of Makhana and its value-added products to more than 20 countries, including the USA and several nations in the Middle East and Africa.
APEDA continues to collaborate closely with state governments, exporters, startups, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian agricultural products while creating sustainable export-led growth avenues for farmers nationwide.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
