First Sea Shipment of GI-Tagged Mithila Makhana From Bihar Reaches Australia, APEDA Facilitates Export

APEDA has facilitated Bihar’s first commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia, opening new global opportunities.

Bihar Sends First GI-Tagged Mithila Makhana Shipment to Australia

Bihar has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural exports with the first-ever commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the shipment of 18 metric tonnes of premium Makhana sourced directly from growers in Bihar’s Darbhanga district.

The development is expected to strengthen the international market for Bihar’s famous Makhana and provide farmers with better opportunities to earn from overseas demand.

18-Metric-Tonne Consignment Exported From Bihar

The export consignment was shipped from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta and was formally flagged off by Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha.

Officials from the state horticulture department, APEDA, exporters, logistics partners and Makhana growers attended the flag-off ceremony.

The shipment consisted of raw, GI-tagged Mithila Makhana that was procured directly from farmers in Darbhanga and packed at the BIADA facility before being transported for export to Australia.

Farmers Could Receive Higher Returns

One of the major advantages of the export-oriented supply chain is its potential to improve farmer incomes.

According to APEDA, farmers involved in supplying the consignment received nearly 18 per cent higher returns compared with prevailing market prices.

The development highlights how direct connections between farmers and international markets can potentially reduce dependence on traditional supply chains while creating better price opportunities for agricultural producers.

NIAD Green Handles Export, Startup Supports Logistics

The shipment was exported by NIAD Green, while logistics support was provided by Jitban Supply Chain Pvt Ltd.

Jitban Supply Chain is a startup supported through APEDA’s BHARATI initiative, which focuses on encouraging innovation and strengthening technology-driven solutions in India's agricultural export ecosystem.

The involvement of exporters and logistics startups demonstrates the growing role of organised supply chains in taking Indian agricultural products to international markets.

Bihar Agriculture Minister Highlights Export Potential

Speaking at the shipment's flag-off event, Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described Makhana as an important part of the state's identity and agricultural economy.

He emphasised the importance of increasing participation by Bihar-based exporters in international trade so that farmers can benefit from better prices.

Sinha also stressed that maintaining high-quality standards would be essential for meeting the expectations and regulatory requirements of overseas markets.

Government Focuses on Strengthening Makhana Value Chain

The Bihar government is working to strengthen the Makhana ecosystem by supporting farmers, processors and exporters.

Sinha also highlighted the importance of continuing support for the Phori community, whose traditional expertise has played an important role in Makhana processing.

Improving processing, packaging, quality control and export infrastructure could help Bihar increase the value generated from Makhana and strengthen its position in international markets.

APEDA Supports Makhana's Global Expansion

APEDA, which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the Australia shipment in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar.

The authority has been supporting Makhana exports through initiatives related to capacity building, market development, export facilitation and coordination among stakeholders.

For the Australia shipment, APEDA also helped facilitate market access and coordinated with relevant stakeholders to enable the export process.

Bihar Accounts for Majority of India's Makhana Production

Bihar plays a dominant role in India's Makhana industry and accounts for approximately 85 per cent of the country's total Makhana production.

The introduction of a separate Harmonised System (HS) code for Makhana in July 2025 is also expected to improve the tracking and recording of the commodity in international trade.

A dedicated trade classification can provide greater clarity regarding export volumes and help policymakers and industry stakeholders better understand the global movement of Makhana.

India's Makhana Exports Continue to Grow

India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products during 2025-26 to over 20 international markets.

Indian Makhana products have found demand in regions including the United States, the Middle East and Africa.

The expansion into Australia could provide another important market for Bihar's GI-tagged product and potentially encourage further exports of both raw and processed Makhana.

APEDA Pushes Export-Led Opportunities for Farmers

APEDA continues to work with state governments, exporters, startups, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and other stakeholders to improve the global competitiveness of Indian agricultural products.

The focus is on building stronger supply chains, improving market access and creating sustainable export opportunities for farmers.

The first commercial sea shipment of Mithila Makhana to Australia represents an important step in this broader effort to connect Indian agricultural producers with international consumers.

Conclusion

The first-ever sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia marks an important milestone for the state's agricultural export sector.

With Bihar producing the majority of India's Makhana and international demand continuing to expand, stronger export infrastructure and direct global market connections could help farmers secure better returns while increasing the international presence of Mithila Makhana.