Patna: Bihar has marked a new milestone in agricultural exports with the first commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, or APEDA, facilitated the export of 18 metric tonnes of premium-quality raw Makhana from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, Bihar.
The consignment was sourced directly from Makhana growers in Darbhanga district. It is expected to strengthen the overseas market for Bihar’s flagship product while giving farmers better access to export-linked prices.
According to the government, farmers connected with the shipment received nearly 18 per cent higher returns than the prevailing market rate.
Shipment flagged off in Bihar
The export consignment was flagged off by Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha.
The event was attended by the Director of Horticulture, Government of Bihar, APEDA officials, representatives of the exporter, logistics partners and Makhana farmers from the region.
The shipment was exported by M/s NIAD Green. Logistics support was provided by M/s Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., a startup supported under APEDA’s BHARATI programme.
BHARATI stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation.
The Makhana was packed at the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta before being sent to Australia by sea.
Better returns for Darbhanga farmers
The initiative shows how direct sourcing and organised export supply chains can help farmers earn more.
By connecting growers with overseas markets, the export has reduced the gap between local market prices and international demand.
The consignment also highlights the importance of quality, grading, safe handling and proper packaging. These factors are necessary for agricultural products to meet international standards.
Mithila Makhana carries a Geographical Indication, or GI, tag. The tag links the product with the Mithila region and recognises its traditional production methods and local identity.
Bihar Government backs Makhana sector
Speaking at the event, Vijay Kumar Sinha said Makhana was closely linked with Bihar’s identity.
He said greater participation by Bihar-based exporters in global trade would help farmers receive better prices.
The minister also stressed the need to maintain strict quality standards for international markets.
He said the Bihar Government was working to strengthen the Makhana value chain by supporting growers, processors and exporters.
He also assured continued support for the Phori community, whose traditional skills are important in Makhana processing.
Bihar dominates India’s Makhana production
Bihar accounts for nearly 85 per cent of India’s total Makhana production.
A separate HS Code for Makhana came into effect in July 2025 under the Finance Bill, 2025. The code helps classify the product separately in international trade and allows better tracking of exports.
During the financial year 2025–26, India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of Makhana and value-added products to over 20 international destinations.
These markets included the United States, the Middle East and Africa.
APEDA eyes wider global market
APEDA facilitated the shipment in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar.
The authority has been promoting Makhana exports through training, market development, export support and coordination with stakeholders.
It continues to work with state governments, exporters, startups, Farmer Producer Organisations and Farmer Producer Companies.
The Australia shipment is expected to open new opportunities for Bihar’s farmers and exporters.
The next challenge will be to turn this first sea shipment into a regular export route and ensure that higher earnings continue to reach growers.