Bihar’s GI-Tagged Mithila Makhana Reaches Australia in First Commercial Sea Shipment
Patna, Aug 8 (TNT): Bihar’s GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has entered the Australian market through its first-ever commercial sea shipment, with 18 metric tonnes of the premium agricultural product exported from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, marking a fresh push to expand overseas markets for the state’s flagship farm product. 
The consignment, sourced directly from Makhana growers in Darbhanga district, was flagged off by Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha in the presence of the Director of Horticulture, APEDA officials, exporter and logistics representatives and progressive Makhana growers.
The export has enabled participating farmers to realise nearly 18 per cent higher returns than prevailing market rates, highlighting the potential of export-oriented value chains and direct international market linkages to improve farmer incomes.
The consignment was exported by NIAD Green, with logistics support from Jitban Supply Chain Pvt Ltd, a startup supported under APEDA’s BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation) initiative.
Comprising premium-quality raw GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, the shipment was sourced directly from farmers in Darbhanga and packed at the BIADA Industrial Area, Bihta.
Sinha said Makhana was closely identified with Bihar and greater participation of Bihar-based exporters in international trade would help farmers secure better price realisation.
He stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards to meet global market requirements and said the state government was working to strengthen the Makhana value chain by supporting growers, processors and exporters.
The Minister also said continued support would be extended to the Phori community, whose traditional skills play an important role in Makhana processing.
APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the shipment in association with the Bihar Agriculture Department and supported market-access facilitation and coordination for the consignment.
Bihar accounts for nearly 85 per cent of India’s Makhana production, according to the release. A separate HS Code for Makhana came into effect from July 2025 under the Finance Bill, 2025, providing a distinct classification for the product in international trade.
During 2025-26, India exported more than 7,000 tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products to over 20 international destinations, including the US, Middle East and Africa.
The Australia shipment is expected to strengthen the international presence of Mithila Makhana and create additional opportunities for Bihar’s growers, processors and exporters, while APEDA continues to work with state governments, exporters, startups, FPOs and other stakeholders to expand India’s agricultural exports.
TNT KS
