Purnea exports Makhana to Greece
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the flag-off of a consignment of 24 MT of frozen food products from Sonipat, Haryana, to Canada on 1 Oct.
The shipment, exported by Aterna Foods Producer Company Limited, comprises 2,295 boxes of frozen food products with a total shipment value of CAD 35,140, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on 2 Oct.
The FPO-led export includes green peas, mixed vegetables, peas and carrots, sweet corn, samosa, among other products. The exporting unit was supported by APEDA under its Financial Assistance Scheme. The shipment marks another step towards expanding international market opportunities for Indian processed food products and connecting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) with global buyers and markets.
The export highlights the growing role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in developing export-oriented value chains and enabling farmers to access international markets. APEDA has been facilitating linkages between FPOs/FPCs and exporters through initiatives aimed at strengthening market access and connecting farmer groups with export opportunities. By linking agricultural produce with processing and international markets, the FPO-led model can support improved returns for producers and strengthen the participation of farmer groups in the export value chain.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman, APEDA, Abhishek Dev congratulated the exporter and stakeholders, noting that the direct export by the FPO would significantly enhance value realisation for the producers. He also acknowledged NIFTEM’s valuable contribution and expressed optimism about expanding exports to the Canadian market.
APEDA also facilitated the flag-off of a consignment of 1 MT of Popped (Phool) Makhana from Purnea, Bihar, for export to Greece, marking another step towards expanding international market access for Bihar’s traditional Makhana and creating opportunities for improved farmer realisation through export-oriented value chains.
The consignment, sourced by Indo Global Export, Belouri, Purnea, is being exported to Greece through S. S Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The shipment will move from Mundra Port in India to Piraeus Port in Greece.
The export has also resulted in higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market selling price, highlighting the potential of international markets to create additional value for Makhana producers. Such export-led market access can strengthen linkages between producers and international buyers while creating opportunities for improved returns to farmers.
India is the global leader in Makhana production, with Bihar contributing around 80-85% of the country’s production. Makhana cultivation in Bihar spans over 35,000 hectares across 10 districts. The sector is supported by technical interventions at the grassroots level from Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, and ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga.
The export from Purnea to Greece is part of growing efforts to connect Bihar’s Makhana producers and exporters with international markets. With its strong traditional and cultural association with Bihar, Makhana has emerged as an important product in India’s agricultural export basket.
APEDA has been facilitating market linkages and supporting exporters in taking Indian Makhana to international markets. Makhana exports are also expanding into European markets, with growing opportunities for Indian producers and avenues for diversification beyond traditional destinations. These efforts are helping connect Makhana producers in Bihar with international demand while creating opportunities for improved farmer realisation and greater participation of producer groups in the export value chain. Fiinews.com
