New Delhi, July 30 : The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured makhana (fox nuts) from Bihar to Canada, marking a significant milestone in promoting the state’s premium agricultural products in global markets.
The inaugural shipment, flagged off on July 29 from Darbhanga, comprised 7 metric tonnes of flavoured makhana packed in two containers and destined for ZKV Foods in Canada via Mundra Port.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the flavoured makhana was processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited in compliance with international quality and food safety standards, showcasing Bihar’s growing capabilities in food processing, value addition and export-oriented manufacturing.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, who appreciated the collective efforts of exporters, processors, farmers, industry stakeholders and APEDA officials in making the export possible. He said such collaborative initiatives are strengthening Bihar’s agri-export ecosystem, promoting value-added agricultural products and expanding access to international markets.
The event was also attended by Dr Manoj Kumar, scientist at ICAR-Eastern Region Research Complex’s Makhana Research Centre in Darbhanga, District Agriculture Marketing Officer Loknath Thakur, senior APEDA officials and stakeholders associated with the makhana value chain.
Bihar is India’s largest producer of makhana, popularly known as fox nuts, accounting for the majority of the country’s production. Known for its nutritional value and premium quality, Bihar’s makhana has witnessed growing demand in international markets as consumers increasingly seek healthy and nutritious food products.
Officials said the export of flavoured makhana is expected to diversify India’s agricultural exports while enhancing the global recognition of the product.
The ministry said value addition has helped makhana farmers earn more than 50 per cent higher returns through improved processing, branding and better access to international markets. The initiative also highlights the potential of export-oriented value addition in enhancing the competitiveness of Indian agricultural products and integrating farmers into global value chains.
APEDA said it continues to support Bihar’s emergence as a leading agri-export hub through capacity building, export infrastructure development, quality compliance, market linkage and value addition. The authority is working closely with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders to strengthen India’s agricultural export ecosystem.
The successful shipment to Canada is expected to create sustainable income opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters while further enhancing the global presence of Bihar’s premium agricultural products.
