Bihar’s Makhana Reaches Greece as APEDA Expands Export Market Access

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has facilitated the export of one metric tonne of popped makhana from Purnea in Bihar to Greece, extending the overseas reach of one of the state’s most important traditional agricultural products.

The consignment was sourced by Indo Global Export of Belouri, Purnea, and is being exported by S. S Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The shipment will travel from Mundra Port in India to Piraeus Port in Greece.

Export Delivers Higher Price Realisation

According to APEDA, the shipment secured a higher price than the prevailing domestic selling price, demonstrating the value of direct access to overseas buyers.

For makhana producers, such exports can improve returns while encouraging greater investment in grading, processing, packaging and quality control.

Bihar Produces Most of India’s Makhana

India is the world’s leading producer of makhana, with Bihar accounting for around 80 to 85 per cent of national production.

Makhana cultivation in the state extends across more than 35,000 hectares in 10 districts. Technical support is being provided by Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga.

These institutions contribute to improvements in cultivation practices, productivity and value-chain development.

India Exported More Than 7,000 Tonnes of Makhana Products in FY 2025-26

During the flag-off programme, Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of makhana and value-added makhana products during FY 2025-26.

The exports were valued at about USD 22 million and reached more than 20 international destinations, showing the growing commercial importance of makhana beyond the domestic market.

Bihar Developing Agri Export Policy

The Bihar government is working on an agricultural export policy intended to support farmers and improve incomes through stronger export promotion.

The state has also developed packhouse infrastructure for the makhana value chain, while APEDA continues to support exporters with market linkages and export facilitation.

Such infrastructure can help producers meet international requirements for quality, packaging and handling.

European Markets Add New Momentum

The shipment to Greece reflects the widening geographical reach of Indian makhana, particularly into European markets.

As demand grows, exporters can also expand beyond traditional popped makhana into higher-value processed and packaged products suited to international retail and food-service markets.

Makhana Strengthens Bihar’s Agricultural Export Profile

The flag-off programme was attended by Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, Bihar Director of Horticulture Abhishek Kumar and other officials and stakeholders.

With a dominant production base, specialised research support and improving export infrastructure, Bihar is well placed to strengthen makhana’s role in India’s agricultural export basket while improving value realisation for producers.

---

References

Press Information Bureau, Government of India — APEDA Facilitates Export of Bihar’s Makhana from Purnea to Greece, published October 2, 2026.

---