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Bihar's Special Makhana Reaches Australia For The First Time!

10 Aug4 min read· 📷 Pranjall Kumar

Mithila Makhana, a tagged product from Bihar, has made its first-ever sea shipment of 18 metric tonnes to Australia, yielding 18% higher returns for local farmers.

18 metric tonnes

Shipment Size

⏳ Time Machine

How today’s news fits into the bigger picture

  1. August 2022

    Mithila Makhana Gets GI Tag

    Mithila Makhana received its tag, recognizing its unique geographical origin and distinctive qualities, which helps protect its branding and authenticity.

  2. November 2024

    APEDA Boosts Niche Exports

    Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) increased efforts to identify and promote niche Indian agricultural products for global export, focusing on streamlining logistics.

  3. Early 2025

    Farmer-Buyer Linkages Strengthened

    Various government and private initiatives intensified to connect local Makhana farmers with national and international buyers, utilizing trade fairs and digital platforms to improve market access.

  4. Today

    The first sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, 18 metric tonnes, was exported from Bihar to Australia, boosting farmer returns by 18%.

  5. What happens next?

    Efforts are expected to expand direct international exports of Mithila Makhana and other GI-tagged Indian agricultural products to new global markets.

In a significant boost for India's agricultural exports, the first-ever sea consignment of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar has been dispatched to Australia. An **18-metric-tonne** shipment of this unique Fox Nut, known for its nutritional value, has set sail, marking a new milestone for the region's farmers. This direct export route has already provided a substantial financial benefit, with farmers in Darbhanga receiving approximately **18% higher returns** than the prevailing local market prices. This initiative not only opens up new international markets but also reinforces the value of GI-tagged products in empowering local agricultural communities.

💭 If you're wondering…

Mithila Makhana is a type of Fox Nut or 'Phool Makhana,' primarily cultivated in the Mithila region of Bihar. It is known for its nutritional value, often consumed as a snack or used in traditional dishes.

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