Patna/Bihta: Bihar’s makhana industry reached a new milestone on Friday as 25 tonnes of makhana were dispatched from the Sikandarpur Industrial Area in Bihta, Patna, for export to Australia. Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha flagged off seven container trucks carrying the consignment, which officials said is expected to strengthen Bihar’s presence in the international market.
According to officials, the export is being undertaken in collaboration with JITBAN Supply Chain. The consignment will first be transported to the Inland Dry Port Depot in Bihta before being moved by rail to Kolkata and then shipped to Australia by sea.
Export Route Planned Through Bihta and Kolkata
Officials said the containers will travel from Bihta’s Inland Dry Port Depot to Kolkata by rail, before being exported to Australia through Kolkata Port.
Representatives from the Agriculture Department and the Customs Department were also present during the flag-off ceremony.
Minister Reviews Processing and Packaging Unit
During the visit, Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha inspected JITBAN Supply Chain’s makhana packaging and processing unit.
He reviewed the packaging, processing and export procedures and interacted with officials regarding the supply chain for the export consignment.
Farmers Raise Concerns Over Prices and Government Support
The minister also met makhana growers from Darbhanga, Purnia, Araria and the Seemanchal region, who highlighted challenges related to cultivation, marketing and government assistance.
Farmer Raj Kumar Singh from Darbhanga said he finances cultivation using his own resources and has often had to sell produce at lower prices through traders. He requested greater financial and technical support from the government.
Farmer Ambika Devi said makhana cultivation is her primary source of livelihood but added that she has not received adequate benefits from existing government schemes despite investing her own capital each year.
Government Assures Support
Responding to the farmers’ concerns, Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the government is implementing several schemes for farmers engaged in makhana cultivation and assured them that their issues would be examined.
He said Bihar’s makhana reaching overseas markets reflects the state’s growing agricultural potential and added that expanding exports could create new opportunities for producers.
Industry Sees Export as Growth Opportunity
The export of the first 25-tonne consignment from Bihar to Australia is being viewed as an important step for the state’s makhana industry.
Stakeholders believe greater access to international markets could benefit producers, processors and exporters while strengthening Bihar’s identity as a major makhana-producing state.
Workers Seek Wider Benefits
Workers associated with makhana harvesting and processing said the expansion of exports should also translate into better wages, employment opportunities and social security for those engaged in the sector.
They said sustained growth in exports could benefit thousands of families dependent on the traditional industry if accompanied by broader support measures.
