APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Export of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana by Sea Route from Bihar to Australia

Key Highlights:

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana.
• 18 Metric Tonnes of Mithila Makhana were exported from Bihta, Bihar, to Australia by sea route.
• The consignment was sourced from Makhana growers in Darbhanga district, Bihar.
• This initiative resulted in farmers realizing nearly 18% higher returns than prevailing market rates.
• Bihar accounts for approximately 85% of India's total Makhana production.

Detailed Insights:

• This export aims to strengthen the international presence of Bihar's flagship GI-tagged product and create enhanced income opportunities for farmers.
• The export was carried out by M/s NIAD Green, with logistics support from M/s Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., a startup supported under APEDA's BHARATI initiative.
• The Government of Bihar is actively working to strengthen the Makhana value chain by supporting growers, processors, and exporters, including the traditional Phori community.
• APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, promotes Makhana exports through capacity building, market development, and stakeholder engagement.
• A separate HS Code for Makhana will come into effect from July 2025 under the Finance Bill, 2025, to further strengthen the sector.

Key Concepts Involved:

• GI-tag (Geographical Indication tag): A sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.
• APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority): An organization under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry responsible for the promotion of agricultural and processed food exports from India.
• BHARATI (Bharat's Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation): An APEDA initiative to support startups in the agri-export sector.
• HS Code (Harmonized System Code): An internationally standardized system of names and numbers for classifying traded products.