Darbhanga, August 8, 2026: In a major milestone for Bihar’s Makhana farmers, the first ever sea consignment of Mithila Makhana (fox nut) has been exported to Australia. Facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the 18-tonne shipment will provide local farmers with prices nearly 18% higher than prevailing domestic market rates.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the shipment as a milestone for India’s superfood exports and growth in agricultural income under APEDA’s global market integration strategy.
By bypassing multiple intermediary channels, this direct export deal will enable participating farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) and growers in Darbhanga to earn nearly 18% higher per-kilogram realization than local market prices.
Traditionally shipped by air in small volumes, this maiden sea shipment significantly reduces per-unit logistics costs, paving the way for commercially viable bulk exports of makhana to overseas markets.
Mithila Makhana received its Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2022. This allows farmers to certify its origin, superior size, and nutritional quality, granting it premium positioning in global health-snack markets.
Bihar accounts for 80-90% of global makhana production. Following this maiden shipment, farmers can now cater to trade inquiries coming from the Middle East and North America, as the demand for Indian superfoods skyrockets.
