Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Bihar’s renowned Mithila Makhana to the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates during his recent visit to the UAE, highlighting the state’s traditional agricultural products on the global stage.
The gesture was welcomed by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who described it as a moment of pride for the state. In a post on social media platform X, he said the recognition of Mithila Makhana reflects Bihar’s agricultural heritage and the efforts of local farmers.
माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी द्वारा यूएई के क्राउन प्रिंस को बिहार का प्रसिद्ध मिथिला मखाना भेंट किया जाना बिहार के लिए गर्व और सम्मान का क्षण है।
जीआई टैग प्राप्त मिथिला मखाना आज बिहार की समृद्ध कृषि परंपरा, किसानों की मेहनत और स्थानीय उत्पादों की वैश्विक गुणवत्ता… pic.twitter.com/VvSor024BT
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) May 21, 2026
Mithila Makhana, commonly known as fox nuts, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is widely cultivated in the Mithila region of Bihar. The state government has been promoting the product as part of broader efforts to expand Bihar’s agricultural exports and rural economy.
Madhubani Paintings Presented in Netherlands
During the same diplomatic tour, Prime Minister Modi also presented Madhubani paintings featuring fish motifs to Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, according to statements shared by the Chief Minister.
बिहार की समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक विरासत आज विश्व मंच पर अपनी अलग पहचान बना रही है।
आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @Narendramodi जी द्वारा डच प्रधानमंत्री रॉब जेटन को मछली की आकृति वाली मधुबनी पेंटिंग भेंट किया जाना मिथिला कला और बिहार की लोकसंस्कृति के वैश्विक सम्मान का प्रतीक है।
मधुबनी… pic.twitter.com/VMmG2T8L30
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) May 21, 2026
Samrat Choudhary said the paintings symbolised the growing international recognition of Mithila art and Bihar’s folk traditions. He noted that Madhubani painting represents cultural traditions, faith, and a lifestyle closely linked with nature.
The fish motif used in the artwork is traditionally associated with prosperity, positive energy, and harmony in Mithila culture.
Focus on Bihar’s Traditional Products
The Chief Minister further stated that initiatives such as the establishment of the Mithila Board are aimed at securing wider global recognition for Bihar’s traditional products and cultural heritage.
He said Bihar’s local art forms and agricultural products are increasingly gaining visibility internationally, which could support local enterprises and create opportunities for farmers and artisans across the state.
