The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the export of makhana from Bihar to Greece. A consignment of 1 tonne of popped makhana, sourced from Purnea district by Indo Global Export, has been shipped from Mundra Port in India to Piraeus Port in Greece through S. S Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The move aims to expand international market access for Bihar’s traditional makhana and improve returns to farmers through export-oriented trade.
Key facts
- Consignment size: 1 tonne of popped (phool) makhana
- Origin: Purnea, Bihar
- Destination: Piraeus Port, Greece
- Exporter: Indo Global Export, Belouri, Purnea
- Shipping agent: S. S Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
- Bihar’s share in India’s makhana production: 80-85 per cent
- Area under makhana cultivation in Bihar: 35,000 hectares across 10 districts
- India’s makhana exports in FY 2025-26: 7,000 tonnes valued at USD 22 million to over 20 destinations
- Flag-off chaired by: Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, with APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev present
About makhana and its production in India
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or gorgon nuts, is an aquatic plant seed that has been cultivated in Bihar for centuries. India leads global makhana production, with Bihar accounting for 80 to 85 per cent of national output. The crop is grown across 35,000 hectares in 10 districts of Bihar, making it a significant agricultural commodity for the state. The sector receives technical support from Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, and ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga.
Export benefits and price realisation
The export to Greece resulted in higher price realisation for farmers compared with domestic market rates, demonstrating the economic potential of international trade. Such exports create direct linkages between makhana producers in Bihar and overseas buyers, strengthening the value chain. By connecting farmers to global demand, export-led initiatives can improve farm incomes and encourage greater participation of producer groups in organised trade channels.
India’s makhana export performance
During financial year 2025-26, India exported over 7,000 tonnes of makhana and value-added makhana products worth USD 22 million across more than 20 international destinations. The export to Greece marks an expansion into European markets, diversifying beyond traditional buyer countries. These efforts reflect growing international demand for Indian makhana, opening new avenues for producers and exporters to reach premium markets.
Government support and infrastructure
The Government of Bihar is developing support infrastructure for the makhana export sector. Packhouses have been established to aid the export value chain, and the state is working towards an Agri Export Policy designed to support farmers and boost incomes through export promotion. APEDA continues to facilitate market linkages and support exporters in connecting Indian makhana to international buyers.
What this means for you
If you are a makhana farmer or cultivator in Bihar, these exports indicate growing international demand for your crop and potential for higher earnings. Buyers and traders involved in makhana exports now have access to institutional support and market information from APEDA to reach new countries. Consumers and businesses interested in makhana products, whether in food production or other sectors, will benefit from a more organised and formalised export supply chain.
What happens next
APEDA will continue to identify and facilitate market linkages with international buyers. The Government of Bihar’s Agri Export Policy is expected to further strengthen the makhana export ecosystem by supporting producers and expanding packhouse infrastructure.