Last Updated on July 31, 2026 1:34 am by BIZNAMA NEWS
By Our Business Correspondent /New Delhi
In a significant boost to India’s agricultural exports and Bihar’s food processing sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the country’s first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured makhana (fox nuts) from Bihar to Canada. The landmark export is expected to strengthen Bihar’s position in global agri-food markets while creating higher income opportunities for farmers through value addition and branding.
The inaugural consignment, comprising seven metric tonnes of flavoured makhana packed in two containers, was flagged off from Darbhanga, Bihar, on July 29. The shipment is being transported to ZKV Foods in Canada via Mundra Port. The products were processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited, adhering to international food safety and quality standards.
The export marks an important milestone in India’s efforts to move beyond raw agricultural commodity exports towards value-added food products with higher global demand. It also reflects Bihar’s growing capabilities in food processing, packaging, branding and export-oriented manufacturing.
Flagging off the consignment, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said the achievement was the result of coordinated efforts by farmers, processors, exporters, industry stakeholders and APEDA to strengthen Bihar’s agricultural export ecosystem. He noted that such initiatives are helping expand international market access for the state’s unique agricultural products while creating better value across the supply chain.
The flag-off 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 representatives of the makhana industry.
Bihar accounts for the largest share of India’s makhana production and has long been recognised as the country’s principal supplier of the nutrient-rich aquatic crop. Popularly known as fox nuts, makhana has witnessed strong demand in overseas markets in recent years as health-conscious consumers increasingly prefer high-protein, low-fat and gluten-free snack options.
Officials said the export of flavoured makhana represents a major shift from conventional bulk exports to premium branded products that command significantly higher prices in international markets. By introducing value-added variants, exporters are targeting a broader consumer base while improving the global visibility of Bihar’s flagship agricultural produce.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, value addition has enabled farmers associated with the makhana supply chain to earn more than 50 per cent higher returns by increasing product value and improving market access. The ministry said the initiative demonstrates how processing, branding and innovation can substantially enhance the competitiveness of Indian agricultural products in overseas markets.
The ministry also highlighted APEDA’s sustained efforts to transform Bihar into a leading agri-export hub through investments in export infrastructure, quality certification, capacity building, market linkages and support for value-added processing. The authority continues to work closely with state governments, exporters, processors, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and other stakeholders to strengthen India’s agricultural export ecosystem.
Officials expressed confidence that the successful sea shipment of flavoured makhana to Canada would pave the way for larger exports to North America and other international markets. Besides generating sustainable income opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters, the initiative is expected to further establish Bihar as a global source of premium-quality value-added makhana products.