New Delhi: Bihar’s GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has reached Australia through its first-ever commercial sea shipment. The 18 MT consignment, sourced from farmers in Darbhanga, is expected to strengthen Bihar’s position in the global Makhana market.
First Sea Shipment to Australia
The shipment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in association with the Bihar Agriculture Department.
- Quantity: 18 Metric Tonnes
- Destination: Australia
- Source: Makhana farmers of Darbhanga
- Export location: BIADA Industrial Area, Bihta
- Exporter: M/s NIAD Green
Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha flagged off the consignment in the presence of APEDA officials, horticulture department officials, exporters, logistics partners and Makhana growers.
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Farmers Receive 18% Higher Returns
The export has provided farmers with nearly 18 per cent higher returns than prevailing market rates.
The initiative is expected to:
- Improve farmers’ price realisation
- Create direct international market linkages
- Expand export opportunities for Bihar’s Makhana sector
- Support higher and sustainable farmer incomes
APEDA Supports Export Chain
Logistics support for the shipment was provided by Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., a startup supported under APEDA’s BHARATI initiative.
APEDA facilitated market access, coordination and export-related support to help move the consignment to Australia.
The premium-quality raw Makhana was directly sourced from Darbhanga farmers and packed at Bihta.
Bihar Produces 85% of India’s Makhana
Bihar accounts for nearly 85 per cent of India’s Makhana production.
India exported more than 7,000 MT of Makhana and value-added products in FY 2025–26 to over 20 international destinations, including:
- USA
- Middle East
- Africa
A separate HS Code for Makhana also came into effect in July 2025, strengthening the framework for tracking and promoting its international trade.
Focus on Global Makhana Market
Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said Makhana represents Bihar’s identity and stressed the importance of quality standards for global markets.
He also highlighted continued government support for growers, processors, exporters and the Phori community, whose traditional skills are important to Makhana processing.
The Australia shipment marks another step in connecting Bihar’s farmers with international buyers. APEDA will continue working with state governments, exporters, startups, FPOs and FPCs to expand India’s agricultural exports.
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