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

The first-ever commercial sea shipment of 18 Metric Tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia marks a watershed moment in India's agricultural export journey, symbolising the convergence of traditional knowledge, institutional support, and global market integration. To understand the depth of this development, we must trace the journey of Makhana — botanically Euryale ferox — from the wetlands of Mithila to international shelves. For centuries, the Mallah and Phori communities of North Bihar have harvested and processed Makhana using indigenous techniques, making it not just a crop but a cultural heritage. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Mithila Makhana in 2022 under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, was a pivotal step in legally protecting this unique identity, ensuring that only produce from the designated region — primarily Darbhanga, Madhubani, and surrounding districts — can bear the name. This legal framework, rooted in Article 22 of the TRIPS Agreement and implemented domestically through the GI Act, empowers local communities by preventing misappropriation and enabling premium pricing. The current export, facilitated by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, demonstrates how institutional architecture can unlock value for smallholders. APEDA, established under the APEDA Act, 1985, has been instrumental in market access, quality certification, and infrastructure development. The involvement of Jitban Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., a startup incubated under APEDA's BHARATI (Bharat's Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation) programme, highlights the growing role of agri-startups in modernising supply chains. The fact that farmers realised 18% higher returns than prevailing market rates underscores the transformative potential of export-oriented value chains — a direct alignment with the Doubling Farmers' Income (DFI) vision and the broader goal of making agriculture remunerative. Bihar's dominance — contributing nearly 85% of India's Makhana production — positions it as a natural export hub. However, historical challenges like lack of processing infrastructure, fragmented landholdings, and limited market linkages have constrained realisation of this potential. The operationalisation of a separate HS Code for Makhana from July 2025 under the Finance Bill, 2025, is a game-changer. Previously clubbed under generic categories, a distinct Harmonised System code will enable precise trade tracking, targeted policy interventions, and better market intelligence — critical for negotiating trade agreements and accessing non-tariff barrier-free entry into markets like the EU, USA, and Australia. The FY 2025-26 export figure of over 7,000 MT to 20+ countries signals growing global demand for nutritious, gluten-free, plant-based superfoods — a trend accelerated post-COVID. Makhana's high protein, low fat, and antioxidant-rich profile aligns perfectly with global wellness trends. For India, this is not just about foreign exchange; it's about repositioning agriculture as a growth engine. The success of this sea shipment — cheaper and more scalable than air freight — opens the door for bulk exports, making Indian Makhana competitive in price-sensitive markets. Constitutionally, this initiative resonates with Article 39(b) and (c) — directing state policy toward equitable distribution of material resources and prevention of concentration of wealth — by ensuring that value addition benefits primary producers. It also reflects the spirit of cooperative federalism, with the Centre (APEDA) and State (Bihar Agriculture Department) collaborating seamlessly. Looking ahead, scaling this model requires investment in cold chain infrastructure, FPO strengthening, quality standard harmonisation (like FSSAI and Codex alignment), and brand building for 'Brand India Makhana'. If replicated across other GI products — such as Katarni Rice, Jardalu Mango, or Shahi Litchi — this could script a new chapter in India's agricultural diplomacy, turning 'local' into 'global' while keeping the farmer at the centre.