Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday, 8 August announced that 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has been exported from Bihar to Australia via sea route for the first time. The consignment, procured directly from farmers in Darbhanga, has delivered nearly 18 per cent higher returns compared to prevailing market prices, according to the minister.

A Milestone for Bihar's Farmers

The shipment was facilitated with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Goyal shared the development in a post on social media platform X, calling it 'another major milestone in the global market' for India's GI-tagged produce. The direct farm procurement model is being credited for the improved earnings farmers received on this consignment.

Building on the Canada Precedent

This export to Australia follows a similar breakthrough last month, when India dispatched its first sea-based shipment of Bihar Makhana to Canada — a consignment of seven metric tonnes of flavoured Makhana, also routed from Darbhanga via sea for the first time. Goyal had noted at the time that farmers linked to that initiative were receiving prices more than 50 per cent higher than earlier rates. Both shipments underscore a deliberate push to move Bihar's premium fox nuts beyond domestic markets through value-added, sea-freight logistics.

The GI Tag Advantage

Mithila Makhana received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which certifies its origin and quality, positioning it as a premium product in international markets. This certification has been central to APEDA's export strategy, enabling Indian exporters to command better shelf placement and pricing in markets like Australia and Canada where demand for healthy, plant-based snacks is growing. Notably, fox nuts are gaining traction globally in the ready-to-eat and healthy snack segment.

What This Means for Agricultural Exports

The successful sea route — as opposed to costlier air freight — is significant because it makes recurring, large-volume exports commercially viable for farmers and exporters alike. Industry observers expect the development to encourage further investment in Makhana processing and value addition in Bihar. The export push is also aligned with the Centre's broader goal of strengthening India's presence in global agricultural trade and boosting farm incomes at the source.

With two landmark sea shipments to major markets completed within consecutive months, the momentum behind Bihar's Makhana exports is expected to attract new buyers and potentially open additional corridors in the coming quarters.