Patna: Bihar has taken a major step towards expanding its agricultural exports with the first sea-bound consignment of 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana being sent to Australia.
Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha flagged off the consignment from the modern Integrated Irradiation-cum-Packhouse Common Facility Centre at Bihta. He said the shipment represents more than an export opportunity, as it highlights Bihar’s farmers, entrepreneurs and growing agricultural capabilities before international markets.
Bihar Eyes Direct Makhana Exports
According to the minister, Bihar-produced makhana has so far often reached overseas markets through other states. The state government now wants a larger share of exports to take place directly from Bihar.
The government plans to strengthen export infrastructure and simplify procedures related to international shipments. The move is expected to reduce bottlenecks and create a more organised supply chain from farmers and processors to overseas buyers.
Bihar accounts for around 90 per cent of India’s total makhana production. Mithila Makhana has also gained international attention for its quality, nutritional value, low-fat content, gluten-free properties and antioxidant characteristics.
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Focus on Processing and Quality
The state government plans to strengthen support for farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), entrepreneurs and exporters involved in the makhana value chain.
The focus will include:
- Modern farming and scientific production practices
- Better grading and post-harvest management
- International quality and processing standards
- Improved packaging and value addition
The objective is to help Bihar’s makhana meet international market requirements while improving its competitiveness.
Exports Expected to Benefit Farmers
Sinha said the government’s approach is not limited to increasing production. It also aims to develop processing, value addition, packaging and export facilities so that farmers can become part of the complete agricultural value chain.
The government also plans to make rural-level makhana procurement and trading more transparent and scientific.
Greater access to international markets could provide farmers with better prices and more stable demand. The expansion of processing and export-related activities could also generate employment opportunities in rural areas.
Mithila Makhana Expands Global Reach
The Australia-bound shipment adds to Bihar’s growing export footprint. Over the past one-and-a-half years, GI-tagged and value-added makhana from the state has reportedly been exported to the United States, Canada, UAE, China and New Zealand, besides the latest shipment to Australia.
The minister said the government wants Bihar’s agricultural products to gain stronger recognition in major international markets.
The initiative also signals a broader shift from simply producing agricultural commodities to building an export-oriented agricultural ecosystem involving production, processing, branding, packaging and international marketing.
A New Opportunity for Bihar’s Agricultural Economy
The first sea export of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia could strengthen Bihar’s position in the global makhana market while creating new opportunities for farmers and businesses.
The state government has said that resolving hurdles related to production, processing, value addition and exports will remain a priority. With stronger infrastructure and easier export procedures, Bihar is looking to turn its dominance in makhana production into greater economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
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