From the wetlands of Bihar to supermarket shelves in Australia, Mithila Makhana is making its way onto the global food map. In a significant export milestone, 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana have been shipped from Bihar to Australia by sea for the first time.
The development highlights the growing international demand for India’s traditional agricultural products while opening new possibilities for farmers, exporters and supply-chain businesses. With Bihar producing the majority of India’s Makhana, the shipment could mark an important step in turning a regional speciality into a stronger global export commodity.
Bihar’s Mithila Makhana has taken another step towards becoming a globally recognised agricultural product, with 18 metric tonnes of the GI-tagged produce being shipped to Australia by sea for the first time. The consignment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and sourced directly from foxnut growers in Darbhanga district.
The shipment ensures crucial development of the agricultural export ecosystem for Bihar. More importantly, the initiative demonstrates how stronger connections between farmers, exporters, logistics companies and international markets can improve the value captured by producers.
18 Metric Tonnes of Makhana Head to Australia
The commercial shipment originated from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, Bihar, and was destined for Australia. The consignment consisted of premium-quality raw Mithila Makhana and was procured directly from farmers in Darbhanga. It was exported by NIAD Green, while Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd. provided logistics support.
Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha officially flagged off the consignment, with horticulture officials, APEDA representatives, exporters, logistics partners and Makhana growers in attendance.
The significance of the shipment extends beyond the quantity exported. A successful sea route creates another pathway for Bihar’s agricultural commodities to reach distant international markets. It also demonstrates the importance of export-oriented infrastructure, packaging, logistics and quality compliance in moving agricultural products from local production centres to global consumers.
Farmers Receive Nearly 18% Higher Returns
One of the most important outcomes of the export initiative is its impact on farmers. According to the reported figures, growers involved in the supply chain received nearly 18% higher returns compared with prevailing market prices.
This highlights the potential of direct market linkages to improve price realisation at the farm level. Instead of depending entirely on conventional domestic channels, producers can benefit when their agricultural output becomes part of organised export value chains.
For Bihar’s foxnut growers, such linkages could encourage greater focus on quality, traceability and consistent production. They can also create stronger incentives for processors and exporters to invest in better handling and value addition.
The development is particularly relevant because Bihar contributes nearly 85% of India’s Makhana production, making the crop strategically important to the state’s agricultural economy.
GI Tag Gives Mithila Makhana a Global Identity
In 2022, Mithila Makhana earned its GI tag, giving formal recognition to its regional identity and distinct characteristics. The recognition can help differentiate authentic Mithila Makhana in international markets and strengthen its positioning as a premium regional agricultural product.
The latest shipment comes amid broader efforts to expand India’s Makhana exports. A dedicated Harmonised System code for Makhana became effective in July 2025, improving the classification and tracking of the commodity in international trade.
During FY 2025-26, India exported more than **7,000 metric tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products** to over 20 international destinations, including the United States, Middle East and African markets.
With international demand expanding, GI recognition combined with organised export infrastructure could help Bihar move further from simply producing Makhana towards building a stronger export-oriented value chain.
 APEDA Supports Bihar’s Export Ambitions
APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, supported the shipment in coordination with the Bihar Agriculture Department. Its role includes export facilitation, market development, capacity building and coordination among stakeholders.
The initiative also involved Jitban Supply Chain, a startup supported by APEDA’s BHARATI initiative, demonstrating how startups and logistics enterprises can help build agricultural export networks.
For Bihar, the Makhana shipment could serve as a model for connecting other agricultural products with international buyers. However, sustained growth will depend on maintaining international quality standards, strengthening processing and packaging facilities, improving logistics and expanding market access.
The Australian shipment therefore represents more than a single export consignment. It signals an opportunity for Bihar to build a stronger agricultural export ecosystem in which farmers, processors, startups, and exporters participate in a value chain designed for global markets.
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Conclusion
The first sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia is more than an export milestone. It reflects Bihar’s growing potential to connect its traditional agricultural strengths with international markets.
With stronger export infrastructure, better logistics, quality standards and direct farmer-market linkages, Makhana can create greater value across the supply chain. The reported increase in farmer returns also highlights the economic potential of export-oriented agriculture.
As global demand for foxnut continues to expand, Bihar’s challenge now is to build a consistent and scalable export ecosystem that can take Mithila Makhana from a regional speciality to a recognised product on global shelves.
