The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority facilitated the export of a 1 metric tonne consignment of popped makhana from Purnea in Bihar to Greece on 2 October 2026. The shipment moved from Mundra Port in India to Piraeus Port in Greece through Indo Global Export, Belouri, Purnea, and S. S. Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
Makhana Production in Bihar
Bihar accounts for about 80-85% of India’s total makhana production. India is the world’s largest producer of makhana, and makhana cultivation in Bihar covers more than 35,000 hectares across 10 districts.
Export Chain and Value Addition
Popped makhana is a processed food product made from fox nuts, which are the seeds of the aquatic plant Euryale ferox. The export of value-added makhana products has been linked with higher price realisation for producers than the domestic market selling price.
Institutional and Policy Support
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga, provide technical support for makhana cultivation and processing. The Bihar government is developing an Agri Export Policy, and packhouses have been established to support the makhana export value chain.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority was established in 1985 under the APEDA Act, 1985.
- Piraeus Port is the largest port in Greece and one of the major ports in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Makhana is also known as fox nut or lotus seed in common usage, although it is botanically linked with Euryale ferox.
- Bihar remains the main makhana-producing state in India, with cultivation concentrated in north Bihar districts.
India’s Makhana Export Profile
India exported over 7,000 metric tonnes of makhana and value-added makhana products worth 22 million US dollars in FY 2025-26 to more than 20 international destinations. Greece is one of the overseas markets for Indian agricultural exports through sea routes linking Mundra Port and Piraeus Port.
