Patna: Farmers in Bihar are set to benefit from smoother access to international markets following the opening of a regional office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Patna. The move aims to strengthen the state’s agricultural exports and promote traditional products such as Mithila Makhana, Shahi Litchi, Jardaalu Mango, Marcha Rice, Katarni Rice, and Tilkut abroad.
The Patna office will provide exporters with direct guidance, certification support, market information, and procedural assistance, reducing reliance on APEDA’s regional office in Varanasi. Officials say this local presence will accelerate exports, boost farmer incomes, and help Bihar’s brands establish a stronger identity globally.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal recently flagged off the first commercial shipment of seven metric tons of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, valued at around Rs 1 crore, to the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. The office, situated in Krishi Bhawan, Mithapur, Patna, played a key role in facilitating these shipments.
“Bihar has long been recognised for its unique agricultural products. This initiative will provide farmers and exporters with the support they need to expand into international markets,” said an APEDA official.
The Bihar government has been working for over two decades to enhance farmers’ incomes, and the promotion of exports is expected to further strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.
