Bihar’s famous makhana has reached another international market, with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitating the export of 1 metric tonne of popped Phool Makhana from Purnea to Greece. The shipment was flagged off on October 2, 2026, as part of efforts to expand global market access for Bihar’s traditional agricultural product.The consignment was sourced by Indo Global Export in Belouri, Purnea, and is being exported through S. S Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. It will travel from Mundra Port in India to Piraeus Port in Greece.Key HighlightsAPEDA facilitated 1 MT of popped makhana from Purnea to Greece.The shipment will move from Mundra Port to Piraeus Port.Bihar accounts for around 80–85% of India’s makhana production.Makhana is cultivated across more than 35,000 hectares in Bihar.India exported over 7,000 MT of makhana and value-added products in FY 2025–26.The exports reached more than 20 international destinations.Bihar Makhana Reaches the Greek MarketThe latest makhana export from Purnea is aimed at connecting Bihar’s producers and exporters with international buyers. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the export has resulted in higher price realisation compared with prevailing domestic market prices.The development highlights the potential of overseas markets to create additional value for makhana producers. Export-oriented supply chains can also strengthen connections between farmers, producer groups, exporters and international buyers.APEDA has been supporting market linkages and export facilitation for Indian agricultural products, including makhana. The authority’s efforts are also helping Indian makhana enter European markets.Bihar Leads India’s Makhana ProductionIndia is the world’s largest producer of makhana, while Bihar contributes around 80–85% of the country’s total production. Makhana cultivation in the state covers more than 35,000 hectares across 10 districts.The sector also receives technical support from Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga.Mithila Makhana is also a registered Geographical Indication product associated with Bihar, further highlighting the state’s role in India’s makhana sector.India’s Makhana Exports GrowBihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said India exported more than 7,000 MT of makhana and value-added makhana products worth USD 22 million during FY 2025–26. These exports reached more than 20 international destinations.The Bihar government is also working towards an Agri Export Policy aimed at supporting farmers and improving incomes through export promotion. Packhouses have been developed to strengthen the makhana export value chain.The latest shipment to Greece comes after other efforts to expand Bihar’s makhana exports. In August 2026, APEDA facilitated an 18 MT commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia.The growing overseas demand is opening new markets for Bihar’s makhana producers while giving exporters more opportunities to diversify destinations and connect with international consumers.
