Bihar News : Bihar has taken a major step towards establishing its agricultural products in the global market, with the state’s first sea shipment of 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana being dispatched directly to Australia.
Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha flagged off the consignment from the modern Integrated Irradiation-cum-Packhouse (Common Facility Centre) in Bihta.
Speaking on the occasion, Sinha said the shipment was not merely an export consignment but a reflection of the hard work of Bihar’s farmers, the commitment of entrepreneurs and the state’s agricultural potential on the global stage. He said the initiative would give a fresh boost to agricultural exports from Bihar while increasing farmers’ incomes and creating new employment opportunities.
Bihar to Export Makhana Directly
The Agriculture Minister said that, until now, much of the makhana produced in Bihar was exported through other states. The state government’s objective is to ensure that an increasing volume of makhana is exported directly from Bihar.
For this, the government is strengthening the required infrastructure and working to simplify export-related procedures.
Bihar accounts for around 90% of India’s total makhana production, according to the state government. Mithila Makhana is gaining popularity in international markets because of its quality, nutritional value, low-fat content, gluten-free properties and antioxidant characteristics.
Focus on Farmers, Processing and Value Addition
Sinha said farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), entrepreneurs and exporters involved in makhana production, processing, value addition and exports would be provided greater awareness and training.
Special programmes will focus on processing, quality improvement, packaging and value addition in accordance with international standards so that Bihar’s products can meet global market requirements.
The government also plans to make the rural-level procurement and marketing system for makhana more transparent and scientific. Increased exports are expected to provide farmers with better prices, stable markets and new employment opportunities.
Bihar Makhana Reaches Global Markets
According to the state government, over the past one-and-a-half years, GI-tagged and value-added makhana from Bihar has been successfully exported to the United States, Canada, the UAE, China, New Zealand and now Australia.
Sinha said the government would continue working to take other agricultural products from Bihar to major international markets. The objective, he said, is to connect farmers with the entire value chain—from production and processing to international marketing—and significantly strengthen their income and prosperity.
