New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) India’s push towards value-added agricultural exports is helping Makhana (fox nuts) farmers in Bihar earn over 50 per cent higher returns, with the first-ever sea shipment of flavoured Makhana to Canada marking a significant milestone in the state’s agri-export journey, the government said on Thursday.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the dispatch of the inaugural sea consignment from Darbhanga, Bihar, on July 29.
The shipment comprised seven metric tonnes of flavoured Makhana packed in two containers and was sent through Mundra Port to ZKV Foods in Canada.
The government said the export demonstrates how value addition, processing and branding can significantly improve farmers’ incomes while enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian agricultural products.
The initiative is also expected to diversify export opportunities for Bihar’s flagship crop and strengthen its presence in international markets.
The flavoured Makhana was processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited in line with international quality and food safety standards, highlighting Bihar’s growing capabilities in food processing, export-oriented manufacturing and value addition.
Flagging off the shipment, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said the achievement reflected the combined efforts of exporters, processors, farmers, industry stakeholders and APEDA officials.
He noted that such collaborative initiatives are strengthening Bihar’s agri-export ecosystem by promoting value-added products and expanding market access for the state’s unique agricultural produce.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Scientist at the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region’s Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga, District Agriculture Marketing Officer Loknath Thakur, senior APEDA officials, exporters and other stakeholders associated with the Makhana value chain.
Bihar is India’s largest producer of Makhana, a nutrient-rich superfood that has seen rising demand across global markets due to growing consumer preference for healthy snacks.
The government believes that exports of flavoured Makhana will further enhance the international recognition of the product while creating new opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters.
APEDA said it has been working to position Bihar as a leading agri-export hub by supporting capacity building, export infrastructure, quality compliance, market linkages and value addition.
–IANS
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