Bihar Sends First Sea Shipment of Flavoured Makhana to Canada

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has facilitated the first sea shipment of value-added flavoured makhana from Bihar to Canada, opening a new international market opportunity for one of the state’s most prominent agricultural products.

The shipment was flagged off from Darbhanga on July 29, 2026, as part of efforts to promote processed and branded agricultural products from Bihar in overseas markets.

The export consignment consisted of seven metric tonnes of flavoured makhana packed in two containers. It was sent through Mundra Port to Canada-based ZKV Foods.

Nutrivin Agro Private Limited processed and packaged the makhana in accordance with international food-safety and quality requirements. The shipment reflects Bihar’s growing capacity in food processing, value addition, packaging and export-oriented agricultural manufacturing.

Value Addition Improves Farmers’ Returns

According to APEDA, farmers associated with the exported consignment received more than 50% higher returns because of processing, flavouring, branding and access to international markets.

The development demonstrates how agricultural produce can generate greater income when it is converted from a raw commodity into a premium, consumer-ready product.

Value-added exports can also reduce farmers’ dependence on domestic wholesale markets by connecting them with processors, exporters and international buyers.

The makhana shipment is expected to create additional income opportunities across the value chain, including for cultivators, processors, packaging companies, logistics providers and exporters.

Bihar Strengthens Presence in Global Food Markets

Makhana, also known as fox nut, is among Bihar’s flagship agricultural products. The state accounts for the largest share of India’s makhana production and has developed a specialised cultivation and processing ecosystem around the crop.

Its nutritional profile and suitability as a light, ready-to-eat snack have contributed to increasing demand in domestic and international markets.

The export of flavoured makhana represents a shift from the sale of traditional raw or simply processed products towards branded, packaged and market-specific food offerings.

Such products can command higher prices while helping Bihar establish a stronger identity in the global healthy-snack market.

APEDA Supports Export Ecosystem

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, who attended the flag-off ceremony, appreciated the efforts of farmers, processors, exporters, industry representatives and government officials involved in completing the shipment.

He said cooperation among different stakeholders was helping strengthen Bihar’s agricultural-export ecosystem, improve market access and promote value-added products from the state.

The event was also attended by representatives of the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region’s Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga, the district agricultural marketing administration, APEDA officials, exporters and other members of the makhana value chain.

APEDA has been supporting Bihar’s development as an agricultural-export hub through capacity building, infrastructure development, quality compliance, market connections and export facilitation.

The authority works with the Bihar government, Farmer Producer Organisations, processors, exporters and industry stakeholders to improve the competitiveness of agricultural products and connect farmers with global value chains.

The first sea shipment of flavoured makhana to Canada is expected to encourage further exports of processed agricultural products from Bihar while strengthening the international recognition of the state’s premium makhana.

Reference

Press Information Bureau, Government of India
“APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Sea Shipment of Value-Added Flavoured Makhana from Bihar to Canada”
Published on July 30, 2026, at 7:19 PM