The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, APEDA, has facilitated the export of one metric tonne of popped or Phool Makhana from Purnea in Bihar to Greece.
The consignment was flagged off from Purnea, marking another step towards expanding international market access for Bihar’s traditional Makhana and creating opportunities for better returns for farmers through export-oriented value chains.
The consignment, sourced by Indo Global Export, Belouri, Purnea, is being exported to Greece through S. S Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The shipment will be transported from Mundra Port in India to Piraeus Port in Greece.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the export has resulted in higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market selling price. This highlights the potential of international markets to create additional value for Makhana producers.
The export-led market access is also expected to strengthen linkages between producers and international buyers and create opportunities for improved returns to farmers.
India is the world’s leading producer of Makhana, with Bihar accounting for around 80 to 85 per cent of the country’s production. Makhana cultivation in the state covers more than 35,000 hectares across 10 districts.
The sector is supported by technical interventions from Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga.
The flag-off programme was chaired by Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, Director of Horticulture in the Bihar Agriculture Department Abhishek Kumar, senior government officials and other stakeholders associated with the Makhana export value chain were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Vijay Kumar Sinha said the export marked an important milestone for Bihar’s Makhana sector as the product continued to gain access to international markets.
He said, “The export marks an important milestone for Bihar’s Makhana sector as the product continues to reach international markets.”
Sinha said India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products, valued at around USD 22 million, during 2025-26, across more than 20 international destinations.
He also said the Government of Bihar was working towards an Agri Export Policy aimed at supporting farmers and improving their incomes through export promotion.
The Minister highlighted the development of packhouses to support the Makhana export value chain and commended APEDA for its efforts to expand Makhana exports and improve farmer realisation.
The export from Purnea to Greece is part of efforts to connect Bihar’s Makhana producers and exporters with international markets. Makhana, which has a strong traditional and cultural association with Bihar, has emerged as an important product in India’s agricultural export basket.
APEDA has been facilitating market linkages and supporting exporters in taking Indian Makhana to international markets. Exports of Makhana are also expanding into European markets, providing opportunities for Indian producers to diversify beyond traditional destinations.
