Bihar Hosts International Event in Patna
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with the Government of Bihar, APEDA, and the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), has successfully hosted the inaugural International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) in Patna. This two-day event, held at Gyan Bhawan, aimed to forge direct connections between Bihar’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with prominent international buyers. The meet is seen as a significant step in enhancing Bihar’s agricultural and food processing sectors.
Visionary Leadership and Economic Resurgence
Shri Chirag Paswan, the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, set an inspiring tone for the IBSM with his keynote address. He described the event as a pivotal moment in Bihar’s economic revival, emphasizing a vision where local youth become job creators and regional crops gain international acclaim. Paswan highlighted Bihar’s rich civilizational heritage, stating that its legacy of knowledge and resilience is now driving its ascent in the global agri-food market. He expressed confidence that a developed Bihar would contribute to the broader vision of a developed India.
International Participation and Business Opportunities
The IBSM attracted over 70 international buyers from 20 countries, including representatives from the UAE, Singapore, Japan, Ghana, Spain, Germany, and the UK. Alongside these international delegates, more than 50 domestic buyers and 20 institutional buyers participated in the event. The meet facilitated over 500 structured B2B meetings, creating significant export opportunities for Bihar’s unique products, such as GI-tagged makhana, Shahi litchi, Zardalu mango, and Katarni rice. These interactions provided local processors with valuable market leads, enabling them to expand their operations and integrate into global supply chains.
Strategic Agreements and Capacity Building
A notable highlight of the IBSM was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between APEDA, the Government of Bihar, and the UAE-based Lulu Group. This agreement aims to enhance the shelf life and export potential of Bihar’s famous litchis, thereby opening new markets for the state’s horticultural exports. Additionally, the event included a comprehensive capacity-building program designed to empower local entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs, and food processors. Experts from various organizations conducted technical sessions on innovative cultivation practices, value chain development, export readiness, and compliance with international standards.
A Showcase of Bihar’s Agri-Food Ecosystem
The public exhibition at the IBSM featured over 120 exhibitors, showcasing a diverse array of Bihar’s agri-food ecosystem. This included FPOs, women-led SHGs, emerging exporters, and established national and international brands. The exhibition served as a platform to demonstrate Bihar’s processing capabilities and the potential for grassroots enterprises to engage with global markets. The success of the IBSM reflects the effective collaboration between various government agencies and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of cooperative federalism in driving regional economic development. As the event concludes, it signifies a shift in India’s approach to food diplomacy, positioning Bihar as a key player in the global food landscape.
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