The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the flag-off of the first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured Makhana (fox nuts) from Darbhanga, Bihar, to Canada on 29 July 2026. The milestone export marks a significant step in promoting Bihar’s premium agricultural produce in global markets while expanding the state’s basket of value-added agricultural exports.
The consignment, comprising 7 metric tonnes packed in two containers, was dispatched through Mundra Port to ZKV Foods, Canada. The flavoured Makhana was processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited in accordance with international quality and food safety standards, reflecting Bihar’s growing capabilities in food processing, value addition and export-oriented manufacturing.
The flag-off ceremony was graced by APEDA Chairman, Abhishek Dev, who appreciated the collective efforts of the exporter, processors, farmers, industry stakeholders and APEDA officials in facilitating the shipment.
Makhana, popularly known as fox nuts, is one of Bihar’s flagship agricultural products, with the state accounting for the largest share of India’s production. Renowned for its nutritional value and premium quality, Bihar’s Makhana has witnessed growing demand in international markets owing to increasing consumer preference for healthy and value-added food products.
The export of value-added flavoured Makhana has enabled associated Makhana farmers to realise over 50 per cent higher returns through value addition and improved access to international markets. It also demonstrates the potential of processing, branding and export-oriented value addition in enhancing the competitiveness of India’s agricultural products while strengthening farmers’ integration with global value chains.
