Bihar Makhana Reaches Greece as APEDA Facilitates 1 MT Export from Purnea

New Delhi- Bihar’s famous Makhana has taken another step into the global market with the export of 1 metric tonne of popped Makhana (Phool Makhana) from Purnea to Greece, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The consignment was sourced by Indo Global Export, Belouri, Purnea, and is being shipped to Greece through S.S. Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The shipment will travel from Mundra Port to Piraeus Port in Greece.

The latest shipment highlights the potential of international markets to generate better price realisation for Makhana producers compared with prevailing domestic market prices.

Export-oriented supply chains can help connect producers directly with international buyers while creating opportunities for higher returns and greater participation of farmer groups in the growing Makhana trade.

India is the world’s leading producer of Makhana, with Bihar contributing around 80–85% of the country’s total production. Makhana cultivation covers more than 35,000 hectares across 10 districts of Bihar.

The sector receives technical support from Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga, helping strengthen cultivation and production practices.

Speaking at the flag-off event, Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described the export as an important milestone for the state’s Makhana industry.

He said India exported more than 7,000 MT of Makhana and value-added Makhana products worth USD 22 million during FY 2025-26, reaching more than 20 international markets.

Sinha also said the Bihar government is working towards an Agri Export Policy aimed at supporting farmers and improving their incomes through export promotion. He highlighted the development of packhouses to strengthen the Makhana export value chain and appreciated APEDA’s efforts to expand overseas market access.

The flag-off programme was attended by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, Director of Horticulture in Bihar’s Agriculture Department Abhishek Kumar, senior government officials and stakeholders associated with the Makhana export ecosystem.

APEDA has been supporting market linkages and helping Indian Makhana exporters access international buyers. The product is also gaining a presence in European markets, creating new avenues for diversification and export growth.

With Bihar at the centre of India’s Makhana production, expanding overseas demand could further strengthen the state’s agricultural value chains while creating opportunities for improved farmer realisation and greater participation in export-oriented markets.