Bihar's GI-Tagged Mithila Makhana Sets Sail for Australia in Historic First
Bihar's GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has been exported to Australia by sea for the first time, an 18-tonne shipment that gives Darbhanga farmers nearly 18% higher returns.
In a significant step for Bihar's agricultural trade, the first sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has departed for Australia. The 18-metric-tonne consignment, sourced directly from farmers in Darbhanga, marks a new chapter for the state's exports, according to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Goyal described the development as a major milestone in the global market, noting that the shipment was facilitated with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). He highlighted that the direct procurement from farmers has yielded them nearly 18 per cent more profit than prevailing market rates.
The consignment, packed in seven containers, was flagged off by Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha from the Integrated Unit of Irradiation Cum Packhouse at Bihta, Patna. The Bihar Agriculture Department called it a significant milestone that connects local farmers with global markets, marking a shift from 'Production to Export.'
Modern facilities for irradiation, quality testing, packaging, and logistics are helping prepare the state's produce to meet global standards. The department indicated that this initiative, beginning with Makhana, could pave the way for other agricultural products from Bihar to reach international markets.
The export comes amid broader efforts to strengthen Bihar's agri-export ecosystem through capacity building, infrastructure development, and quality compliance. APEDA has been collaborating with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and processors to expand market access and create sustainable income opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders.