India exports 1 tonne of Bihar's makhana to Greece

India has expanded the overseas market for its food products with the export of one tonne of makhana from Purnea, Bihar, to Greece and 24 tonnes of frozen food products from Sonipat, Haryana, to Canada, PTI reported on Friday, citing the commerce ministry.

The shipments mark another step in expanding international market access for Indian food products and connecting domestic producers with global buyers.

India is the world's largest producer of makhana, with Bihar accounting for around 80-85% of the country's production, according to the commerce ministry.


The makhana sector in Bihar spans more than 35,000 hectares across 10 districts and is supported by technical interventions from Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga.

Bihar makhana finds Greek market

The export of makhana from Purnea to Greece adds another overseas destination for a product that has become an important agricultural commodity from Bihar.

The commerce ministry said the state contributes the bulk of India's makhana production, with institutional support aimed at improving cultivation and strengthening the sector.

The shipment is part of efforts to widen international market access for Indian agricultural and food products, PTI reported.

Haryana frozen foods shipped to Canada

The 24-tonne shipment from Sonipat comprises green peas, mixed vegetables, sweet corn and samosas, according to the ministry.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said exports of such products can help connect farmers with global value chains and enable them to secure better prices for their produce.

The shipments from Bihar and Haryana come as India seeks to expand exports of value-added agricultural and processed food products rather than limiting overseas sales to raw commodities.

The commerce ministry said the latest exports represent another step towards creating international markets for Indian food products.