India achieved a significant milestone in agricultural value addition with the first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured makhana (fox nuts) from Bihar to Canada. According to the latest reports from PIB Delhi and Dainik Jagran, the maiden consignment comprised seven metric tonnes of flavoured makhana packed in two containers and was dispatched from Darbhanga, Bihar, through Mundra Port for ZKV Foods in Canada. The products were processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited in compliance with international food safety and quality standards. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off the shipment on July 29, emphasizing that the achievement reflects combined efforts of exporters, processors, farmers, industry stakeholders and APEDA officials. The 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 other stakeholders associated with the Makhana value chain.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced that Bihar farmers involved in the process will receive more than 50 per cent higher prices through direct global market access. As reported by PIB Delhi and Dainik Jagran, this represents a significant shift from traditional raw produce exports, with the coordinated efforts of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) enabling premium pricing for Indian agricultural products in international markets. The government emphasized that value addition, processing and branding can significantly improve farmers' incomes while enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian agricultural products. The initiative is expected to diversify export opportunities for Bihar's flagship crop and strengthen its presence in international markets. According to the Commerce & Industry Ministry, value addition has enabled farmers associated with the makhana supply chain to realise more than 50 per cent higher returns by improving market access and increasing the value of the product. Direct global exports will fetch farmers of Mithila anywhere between ₹1,050 to ₹1,300 for every kilogram of foxnuts, as reported by Dainik Jagran, eliminating the role of middlemen and providing farmers with direct access to international markets.
The export of flavoured, consumer-ready products marks India's gradual movement up the value chain, enabling companies to command higher prices and compete with global healthy snack brands. According to PIB Delhi and Dainik Jagran, Makhana, popularly known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is one of Bihar's flagship agricultural products, with the state accounting for the largest share of India's production. The crop is renowned for its nutritional value and premium quality, with Makhana, popularly known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is among India's oldest aquatic crops with the country producing nearly 120,000 tonnes annually, where Bihar accounts for more than 85 per cent of total production. The flavoured Makhana was processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited in line with international quality and food safety standards, highlighting Bihar's growing capabilities in food processing, export-oriented manufacturing and value addition. The government believes that exports of flavoured Makhana will further enhance the international recognition of the product while creating new opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters. Dr. Manoj Kumar, a senior scientist of National Makhana Research Centre, Darbhanga, noted that Bihar's foxnuts is known for its distinctive taste and quality and the development will open new avenues for export to other countries in the future.
Farmers generally receive between ₹300 and ₹500 per kg for raw processed makhana, while premium flavoured varieties retail at ₹800 to ₹1,500 per kg in domestic supermarkets. As reported by PIB Delhi and Dainik Jagran, export-quality products can command even higher prices in overseas markets, with domestic demand surging as consumers prefer nutritious snacks over fried alternatives. The crop is rich in protein, fibre, calcium and antioxidants, making it popular among health-conscious consumers. The government believes that exports of flavoured Makhana will further enhance the international recognition of the product while creating new opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters.
In September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Makhana Board, with the Centre approving a central sector scheme with ₹476.03 crore outlay for development from 2025-26 to 2030-31. According to PIB Delhi, the scheme focuses on research and innovation, quality seed production, farmer capacity building, and export promotion, positioning India's makhana exports for continued growth in global healthy snacking markets. APEDA has been working to position Bihar as a leading agri-export hub by supporting capacity building, export infrastructure, quality compliance, market linkages and value addition. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev noted that such collaborative initiatives are strengthening Bihar's agri-export ecosystem by promoting value-added products and expanding market access for the state's unique agricultural produce. The successful sea shipment to Canada marks another important milestone in these efforts, creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters while further enhancing the global presence of Bihar's premium agricultural products.
