Patna: Katarni rice, Jardalu mango, Shahi litchi, and Magahi paan – four of Bihar’s iconic Geographical Indication (GI) products – are set to shine on the national electronic market platform e-NAM. The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, has approved the inclusion of seven new products on e-NAM, with these four unique GI-tagged items from Bihar among them.
This move will enable digital bidding, transparent pricing, and national-level market access for the state’s farmers.
Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has played a pivotal role in certifying, standardising, and adding value to these products. Calling it a transformational initiative, BAU Vice Chancellor D. R. Singh said:
“The presence of Bihar’s unique GI products in e-NAM will not only enhance their brand value but also provide competitive prices and national market access to farmers. It is a milestone towards establishing Bihar as a national hub of agri-innovation and branding.”
Highlighting the university’s research achievements, Director Research Anil Kumar Singh noted:
“Our research units have developed certification, conservation, production technology and package of practice for Katarni rice, Jardalu mango and Magahi paan. Their entry in e-NAM marks the university’s journey from research to marketing. This will directly increase farmers’ incomes.”
The four GI products include:
1. Katarni Rice (Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger): Aromatic, nutritious, and easily digestible.
2. Jardalu Mango (Bhagalpur): Renowned for its aroma and taste; supplied to Rashtrapati Bhawan.
3. Shahi Litchi (Muzaffarpur): India’s first GI litchi with global export demand.
4. Magahi Paan (Nalanda, Nawada, Gaya): Soft, less fibrous, and of deep traditional significance.
With these additions, e-NAM now hosts 238 products, giving farmers access to competitive prices across markets. The online bidding process ensures transparent trading and quality-based pricing. BAU is also accelerating the certification process through its GI Processing Cell and GI Facilitation Centre, while standardising products like singhara, baby corn, and dragon fruit to boost innovation and exports.
