The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever commercial sea shipment of 18 Metric Tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, Bihar to Australia. The consignment was sourced directly from Makhana growers in Darbhanga district and enabled farmers to realize nearly 18% higher returns than prevailing market rates, demonstrating the benefits of export-oriented value chains.
The export was executed by M/s NIAD Green with logistics support from M/s Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., a startup supported under APEDA's BHARATI initiative. The shipment comprised premium-quality raw GI-tagged Mithila Makhana packed at the BIADA Industrial Area. The consignment was flagged off by Bihar's Agriculture Minister Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, who emphasized that Makhana represents Bihar's identity and that greater participation in international trade would enable better price realization for farmers.
Bihar accounts for nearly 85% of India's Makhana production, and a separate HS Code for Makhana came into effect from July 2025 under the Finance Bill, 2025. 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 USA, Middle East, and Africa. APEDA continues to work with State Governments, exporters, startups, FPOs, and other stakeholders to enhance the global competitiveness of India's agricultural products.