India has exported 7 metric tonnes of Bihar’s GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Canada, marking another step in efforts to take the state’s popular foxnut product to international markets. 

The shipment is part of a broader government-backed push to increase agricultural exports and connect Bihar’s farmers with overseas buyers.

Mithila Makhana received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022, helping distinguish produce from the Mithila region and strengthen its position in premium markets. Bihar is India’s leading makhana-producing state and accounts for more than 85% of the country’s production, according to APEDA data.

The latest export to Canada is part of a wider international expansion. In September 2025, the government had flagged off a 7-metric-tonne consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana for New Zealand, Canada and the United States, with APEDA supporting the initiative.

Global demand for makhana has been rising as consumers increasingly look for snacks that are perceived as healthier alternatives. Canada, the US and Australia have emerged as important markets for Indian makhana exporters, creating opportunities for farmers, processors and businesses involved in food packaging and exports.

The government has also been working to strengthen Bihar’s agricultural export ecosystem. APEDA’s presence in Patna is intended to help farmers, farmer-producer organisations and exporters improve market access and meet international standards.

The growing overseas demand could provide a boost to Bihar’s rural economy by creating opportunities across cultivation, processing, packaging and logistics. With more Indian makhana entering global markets, the humble foxnut is increasingly becoming an important export product for Bihar and a potential source of higher income for local producers.

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