A 7-metric-ton shipment of Bihar’s “Mithila Makhana,” a GI-tagged superfood, left for New Zealand, Canada, and the United States on Thursday. This is the first time this superfood has been sent to these countries. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) helped with the foreign shipment as part of a plan to meet the expanding global demand for the multipurpose fox nut.
Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, broke the news on his official Instagram account. He celebrated the success by posting pictures of several makhana products, such as Tomato and Minty Pudina flavors. He also showed pictures of the big stock that was ready to be sent around the world.
Minister Goyal said in his caption, “Bihar’s native makhana is now available in markets around the world.” With the help of PM Narendra Modi, we are making good progress on the “Local Goes Global” road.
Bihar is the clear leader in makhana production, making up 90% of India’s total output. The fox nuts are mostly grown in the Mithilanchal and Seemanchal areas of the state. Makhanas are a popular snack since they are very nutritious. In August 2022, its “Mithila Makhana” version got a Geographic Indication (GI) tag. This marking protects the product’s quality and traditional expertise, which helps it stand out as a high-end item around the world.
Mithila Makhana with GI tags has been sent to other countries before. In 2024–25, shipments were already sent to the UAE and the US. The fresh shipment means that the company is now selling in Canada and fresh Zealand as well.
With the announcement of a “Makhana Board” in the Union Budget 2025, the government showed even more dedication to promoting the makhana trade. This new group will give the growing and trading of fox nuts a new boost, with a focus on production, processing, adding value, and marketing to make it more well-known at home and abroad.