Patna: Bihar has recorded a milestone in agricultural exports with the first-ever sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila makhana sent from Purnea to Dubai, signalling the state’s growing integration into global food supply chains.
The two-tonne consignment, dispatched on Wednesday, marks the first time the traditional fox nut has been exported via the sea route. The shipment was facilitated by the Union ministry of commerce and industry, Bihar’s department of agriculture and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda).
Mithila makhana, which holds a geographical indication (GI) tag, is a nutrient-rich crop traditionally cultivated in the Mithila region of north Bihar. Officials said the successful export demonstrated the state’s ability to meet international standards on quality control, packaging, traceability and logistics – areas that have historically limited agricultural exports from the region.
The shipment was formally flagged off during a virtual ceremony chaired by Bihar’s agriculture minister, Ram Kripal Yadav. Speaking at the event, Yadav said exports of GI-tagged products could play a crucial role in increasing farmers’ incomes while enhancing Bihar’s global identity.
He added that access to international markets would open up new opportunities for farmers, farmer producer organisations and agribusiness entrepreneurs involved in the makhana value chain, and could pave the way for exports of other GI-tagged and value-added agricultural products from the state.
Officials described the export as a landmark step towards the economic empowerment of makhana growers, noting that direct exposure to overseas markets could help ensure better and more stable prices for producers, strengthening the rural economy in the process.
Senior officials, including the principal secretary of the agriculture department, Narmadeshwar Lal, attended the ceremony.
