The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the flag-off of a consignment of 1 MT of Popped (Phool) Makhana from Purnea, Bihar, for export to Greece, marking another step towards expanding international market access for Bihar’s traditional Makhana and creating opportunities for improved farmer realisation through export-oriented value chains.

The consignment, sourced by Indo Global Export, Belouri, Purnea, is being exported to Greece through S. S Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The shipment will move from Mundra Port in India to Piraeus Port in Greece.

The export has also resulted in higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market selling price, highlighting the potential of international markets to create additional value for Makhana producers. Such export-led market access can strengthen linkages between producers and international buyers while creating opportunities for improved returns to farmers.

India is the global leader in Makhana production, with Bihar contributing around 80-85% of the country’s production. Makhana cultivation in Bihar spans over 35,000 hectares across 10 districts. The sector is supported by technical interventions at the grassroots level from Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, and ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga.

The flag-off programme was chaired by Agriculture Minister, Government of Bihar, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, in the presence of Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, and Director, Horticulture, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar, Shri Abhishek Kumar, along with senior officers of the Government of Bihar and other stakeholders associated with the Makhana export value chain.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha said, “The export marks an important milestone for Bihar’s Makhana sector as the product continues to reach international markets. India exported more than 7000 MT of makhana and value-added makhana products valued at USD 22 million during FY 2025-26 across more than 20 international destinations.”

He further stated that the Government of Bihar is working towards an Agri Export Policy aimed at supporting farmers and improving their incomes through export promotion. He also highlighted that packhouses have been developed to support the Makhana export value chain. He commended APEDA for its continued efforts towards expanding Makhana exports and improving farmer realisation.

The export from Purnea to Greece is part of growing efforts to connect Bihar’s Makhana producers and exporters with international markets. With its strong traditional and cultural association with Bihar, Makhana has emerged as an important product in India’s agricultural export basket.

APEDA has been facilitating market linkages and supporting exporters in taking Indian Makhana to international markets. Makhana exports are also expanding into European markets, with growing opportunities for Indian producers and avenues for diversification beyond traditional destinations. These efforts are helping connect Makhana producers in Bihar with international demand while creating opportunities for improved farmer realisation and greater participation of producer groups in the export value chain.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Garima Singh/ Abhimanyu Panwar

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