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APEDA facilitates first sea shipment of flavoured value-added makhana from Bihar to Canada

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy

AgricultureEconomy

Why in news

On 29 July 2026, APEDA flagged off the first sea shipment of flavoured value-added makhana (fox nuts) from Darbhanga, Bihar to Canada. This historic export boosts Bihar's global presence and demonstrates the potential of value addition in agriculture.

Background

Makhana is a major agricultural product of Bihar, which contributes the largest share of India's total production. Known for its nutritional value, demand for Bihar's makhana is rising in international markets.

Key facts

in5points

  1. First sea shipment of flavoured value-added makhana from Bihar to Canada (7 metric tonnes in two containers).

  2. Shipment sent via Mundra port to ZDK Foods in Canada.

  3. Processing and packaging done by Nutriwin Agro Pvt. Ltd. meeting international quality and food safety standards.

  4. Value addition helped farmers gain over 50% more income compared to raw makhana.

  5. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off the shipment, praising collective efforts of exporters, processors, farmers, and officials.

  6. Event attended by ICAR scientist Dr. Manoj Kumar, District Marketing Officer Loknath Thakur, and other stakeholders.

  7. APEDA is working to develop Bihar as a leading agri-export hub through capacity building, infrastructure, quality compliance, and market linkages.

  8. This export strengthens Bihar's premium agricultural products' global presence and creates sustainable income opportunities.

Prelims pointers

  • APEDA: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Makhana: Also known as fox nuts, scientifically Euryale ferox.
  • Bihar is the largest producer of makhana in India.
  • Mundra port: Major port in Gujarat used for this export.
  • Value addition: Processing raw agricultural products to increase their value and marketability.
  • ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
  • FPO: Farmer Producer Organization.

Mains angles

  • Role of APEDA in promoting agri-exports and value addition.
  • Significance of value addition in enhancing farmers' income and global competitiveness.
  • Government schemes for export promotion: e.g., Agri-Export Policy, Market Access Initiative.
  • Challenges and opportunities in agri-exports from Bihar and eastern India.