APEDA facilitates first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured makhana from Bihar to Canada
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 step in expanding the global footprint of the state’s premium agricultural produce while boosting returns for farmers through value addition.
The inaugural consignment, comprising seven metric tonnes packed in two containers, was flagged off from Darbhanga on July 29 and dispatched to ZKV Foods in Canada through Mundra Port. The flavoured makhana was processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited in accordance with international quality and food safety standards.
The shipment marks a milestone in promoting Bihar’s value-added agricultural exports and highlights the state’s growing capabilities in food processing, branding and export-oriented manufacturing.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, who flagged off the consignment, said collaborative efforts by exporters, processors, farmers, industry stakeholders and APEDA have strengthened Bihar’s agri-export ecosystem and expanded global market access for the state’s unique agricultural products.
The event 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 stakeholders associated with the makhana value chain.
Bihar is India’s largest producer of makhana, popularly known as fox nuts, and the crop has witnessed rising demand in international markets due to increasing consumer preference for nutritious and healthy snack options. Officials said the export of flavoured makhana is expected to diversify export opportunities while enhancing the international recognition of the state’s flagship agricultural product.
According to the Commerce & Industry Ministry, value addition has enabled farmers associated with the makhana supply chain to realise more than 50 per cent higher returns by improving market access and increasing the value of the product. The initiative also demonstrates the potential of processing, branding and export-oriented manufacturing in enhancing the competitiveness of Indian agricultural products in global markets.
The Ministry said APEDA has been working to develop Bihar into a major agri-export hub through initiatives focused on capacity building, export infrastructure, quality compliance, market linkages and value addition. The authority continues to collaborate with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders to strengthen India’s agri-export ecosystem.
The Ministry said the successful sea shipment of flavoured makhana to Canada is expected to create sustainable income opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters while further strengthening Bihar’s presence in international agricultural markets.