Patna: Bihar has exported GI-tagged Mithila makhana (fox nuts) to Dubai via sea route for the first time, in what officials have described as a milestone for the state’s agricultural exports.
The 2-tonne consignment was dispatched from Purnia on January 21, 2026 marking the first time the product has been shipped internationally through waterways. The export was carried out in collaboration between the Indian ministry of commerce and industry, the Bihar government and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
According to state officials, the move signals that Bihar’s makhana sector is now meeting international standards in quality, packaging and logistics, and could help expand overseas market access for farmers, producer organisations and agri-entrepreneurs.
Bihar’s agriculture minister, Ram Kripal Yadav, called the export a “major achievement” and said the 2025-26 financial year had been “historic” for the sector. “The export of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Dubai via the sea route marks a major achievement for the state, providing farmers the opportunity to connect with the global market,” he said.
He added that government initiatives, including the Makhana Development Scheme and the recently constituted National Makhana Board, had improved production, processing and income levels among farmers.
The National Makhana Board was set up in September 2025 and formally inaugurated by the prime minister in Purnia. Officials say it has had a significant impact on around 500,000 farmers in Bihar, which accounts for roughly 85% of India’s total makhana production.
A central scheme for makhana development, with an outlay of Rs 476.03 crore for 2025-26 to 2030-31, has also been approved. It focuses on research, seed production, farmer training, processing technology, value addition, branding and exports.
Government data suggests the area under makhana cultivation has more than doubled in recent years, rising from about 13,000 hectares in 2012 to nearly 35,000 hectares at present. Production is concentrated in districts including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa and Khagaria.
Officials said the latest export could help position Bihar’s makhana as a global agri-brand and strengthen rural incomes in northern and eastern districts of the state.
