GI-tagged Mithila Makhana makes first sea shipment from Bihar to Australia
New Delhi, August 8
GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has been exported from Bihar to Australia by sea for the first time, with the 18-metric-tonne consignment providing farmers in Darbhanga nearly 18 per cent higher returns than the market price, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday.
Calling the development "another major milestone in the global market", Goyal said the shipment was facilitated with the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
"18 metric tons of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was exported for the first time from Bihar to Australia via sea route," Goyal said in a post on X.
The minister said the consignment was "procured directly from farmers in Darbhanga", adding that this provided them with nearly 18 per cent more profit compared with the market price.
The shipment comprised around 18 metric tonnes packed in seven containers and was flagged off by Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha from the Integrated Unit of Irradiation Cum Packhouse at Bihta, Patna, according to the Bihar Agriculture Department.
The department described the shipment as a significant milestone for Bihar's agricultural exports, saying the initiative connects the state's farmers with global markets and marks a step towards moving from "Production to Export."
It said modern facilities for irradiation, quality testing, packaging and logistics are helping prepare Bihar's agricultural products in line with global quality standards. The department also said the initiative, which began with Makhana, could open new possibilities for other agricultural products from the state to reach international markets.
The latest shipment also comes amid efforts to strengthen Bihar's agri-export ecosystem through capacity building, export infrastructure, quality compliance, market linkages and value addition.
APEDA has been working with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders on quality assurance, export facilitation and market development.
These efforts are aimed at expanding global market access for Bihar's agricultural products while creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great initiative but I wish the government would focus on building better cold storage and logistics infrastructure in Bihar first. We have so much potential but farmers still struggle with basic facilities. Still, 18% more profit is a good start!
This is what 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' should actually look like - taking our local products to the world. Makhana is so healthy and now Australians can enjoy it too! 😊
Good news but let's not get carried away. 18 tonnes is a drop in the ocean. The real challenge is scaling this up and ensuring the benefits genuinely reach small farmers, not just big exporters. Need to see long-term impact.
As someone living in Australia, I can say there is a growing market for healthy Indian snacks here. Makhana with its low calorie and high protein profile is perfect for health-conscious Aussies. Great move! 🇮🇳🇦🇺
Makhana is underrated globally. My relatives abroad always ask me to bring it for them. This sea shipment will open many doors. Hoping next comes mangoes, litchis, and more from Bihar! 🥭
V Vikram Singh The irradiation We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.