In a major boost to Bihar’s agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia.
An 18-metric-tonne consignment of premium-quality Mithila Makhana was shipped from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, Bihar. The consignment was sourced directly from Makhana growers in Darbhanga district, providing farmers with stronger access to international markets.
The shipment was flagged off by Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha in the presence of the Director of Horticulture, APEDA officials, exporters, logistics partners and Makhana growers.
According to the report, the export-oriented supply chain enabled farmers to realise nearly 18% higher returns than prevailing market rates, highlighting the potential of direct international market linkages to improve farmer incomes.
The consignment was exported by NIAD Green, with logistics support from Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., a startup supported under APEDA’s BHARATI initiative. The Makhana was sourced directly from farmers and packed at the BIADA Industrial Area, Bihta.
Speaking at the event, Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described Makhana as an important identity of Bihar and stressed the need for greater participation of Bihar-based exporters in international trade. He also emphasised maintaining quality standards to meet global market requirements and strengthening the entire Makhana value chain.
APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the shipment in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar. The authority has been supporting Makhana exports through capacity building, market development, export facilitation and international market-access initiatives.
Bihar accounts for around 85% of India’s Makhana production. A separate HS Code for Makhana came into effect in July 2025, further strengthening the framework for tracking and promoting its international trade. During FY 2025–26, India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products to over 20 international destinations, including the United States, the Middle East and Africa.
The first sea shipment to Australia marks another significant step in putting Mithila Makhana on the global map, while opening new opportunities for Bihar’s farmers, processors, exporters and rural enterprises.
