India Exports Over 7,000 Tonnes of Makhana to More Than 20 Global Destinations in FY26

New Delhi — India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of makhana and value-added makhana products to over 20 international destinations in fiscal year 2025-26, including the US, the Middle East and Africa, the government said on Saturday.

The exports come as India seeks to expand the global market for makhana, with Bihar accounting for nearly 85 per cent of the country’s production.

To strengthen the sector and improve trade classification, a separate HS Code for makhana came into effect in July 2025 under the Finance Bill, 2025.

In a significant development for Bihar’s makhana industry, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever commercial sea shipment of 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia.

The consignment was shipped from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, Bihar, and was sourced from makhana growers in Darbhanga district.

According to the Commerce Ministry, the shipment is expected to strengthen the international presence of Bihar’s flagship GI-tagged product and create greater income opportunities for farmers through export-led market access.

The initiative has enabled farmers to realise nearly 18 per cent higher returns than prevailing market rates, highlighting the potential benefits of export-oriented value chains and direct market linkages.

The government said the export could help create sustainable international market opportunities for Bihar’s makhana sector while contributing to higher and more stable farmer incomes.

Bihar Pushes for Greater Global Reach

Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described makhana as an important part of the state’s identity and said greater participation by Bihar-based exporters in international trade would help farmers secure better price realisation.

“Makhana is the identity of Bihar,” Sinha said, while emphasizing the importance of expanding the state’s participation in global trade.

He also stressed the need to maintain quality standards to meet international market requirements, saying the Bihar government is working to strengthen the makhana value chain by supporting growers, processors and exporters.

Sinha further said that all necessary support would continue to be extended to the Phori community, whose traditional skills are integral to makhana processing.

Mithila Makhana Heads to Australia

The first commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia marks a new milestone in efforts to establish Bihar’s product in international markets.

The government said the shipment reflects growing global demand for Bihar’s agricultural products and opens new opportunities for farmers and exporters.

With Bihar producing the overwhelming majority of India’s makhana, expanding exports could provide an important avenue for improving farmer incomes while building a stronger value chain around the crop.

The combination of a dedicated HS Code, export facilitation and direct international market linkages is expected to support the continued expansion of India’s makhana sector and increase the global visibility of Mithila Makhana, one of Bihar’s prominent GI-tagged agricultural products. (Source: IANS)