Patna: In a landmark achievement for Bihar’s agriculture sector, the state has exported its first consignment of vegetables abroad. A total of 1,500 kilograms of fresh vegetables from Bihar have been dispatched to Dubai, marking the beginning of Bihari produce reaching international markets.
Cooperative Department Minister Dr. Prem Kumar announced this milestone during a press conference held at the Information and Public Relations Department in Patna. “People of Dubai will soon enjoy vegetables grown by farmers of Bihar,” said the minister, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting Bihari produce globally under the motto, “Bihari vegetables in every plate.”
The consignment, flagged off from the Dashrath Manjhi Labor and Employment Study Institute in Patna, includes ten varieties of vegetables such as jackfruit, cauliflower, bitter gourd, and gourd. The shipment will first travel by road to Varanasi airport and then fly to Dubai, where it will be available to consumers at Lulu Mall.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Federation (Vegfed), along with several regional vegetable associations – Harit Sabji Sangh (Patna), Tirhut Vegetable Association (Motihari), Mithila Vegetable Association (Darbhanga), and Magadh Vegetable Association (Gaya).
Dr. Prem Kumar expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of this venture, stating that it will not only boost farmers’ income but also bring international recognition to Bihar’s agricultural produce.
“This export marks a significant milestone towards building a self-reliant Bihar and expanding the reach of our farmers’ hard work beyond borders,” he added.
The minister also emphasized the role of Vegfed in empowering farmers by providing quality seeds, advanced farming techniques, and better processing and marketing facilities. Departmental Secretary Dharmendra Singh, Registrar of Cooperative Societies Anshul Agarwal, and Managing Director of Vegfed Prabhat Kumar were also present at the event.
With this pioneering export, Bihar aims to open new avenues in international markets, showcasing the quality and diversity of its agricultural products on a global platform.