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Cabinet officials

Empowering Farmers and Boosting Global Market Access for Bihar's Agriculture and Processed Food Produce

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Government of India has launched a landmark initiative to empower farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in Bihar, boosting global market access for agriculture and processed food produce. Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Regional Office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Patna, marking a significant step towards transforming Bihar into a powerhouse of agricultural and processed food exports. The new office will provide direct support to FPOs, FPCs, and exporters, reducing turnaround time and strengthening coordination with state-level institutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new APEDA Regional Office in Patna aims to empower farmers, FPOs, and FPCs in Bihar, providing direct access to registration, advisory services, market intelligence, and certification.
  • The office will enable farmers and exporters to directly interact with APEDA, reducing reliance on the existing Varanasi office and facilitating faster processing of export documents.
  • The establishment of the Patna office marks a significant step towards transforming Bihar into a major player in agricultural and processed food exports, with a focus on high-value, sustainable, and inclusive agri-trade.
  • Bihar's diverse range of high-potential agri-produce, including GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, Jardalu Mango, and Shahi Litchi, is poised to benefit from the initiative, with a growing global appetite for these products.
  • The flag-off of a 7 metric ton consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana for international markets, executed by a woman entrepreneur, Ms. Neha Arya, highlights the growing export readiness of women-led enterprises in Bihar's agri-sector.
  • Over the last three years, APEDA has implemented a comprehensive engagement strategy in Bihar, including capacity-building programs, international visits, and strategic collaborations with state departments and agri-research bodies.
  • The initiative reflects APEDA's ongoing efforts to promote inclusive growth by empowering women-led enterprises and integrating rural producers into global value chains.
  • The opening of the Patna office marks the beginning of a new era for Bihar, with the potential to create a vibrant hub for high-value, sustainable, and inclusive agri-trade.

Statistics:

  • Bihar has achieved several export milestones, including the export of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to the UAE and USA in 2024-25 and GI-tagged Jardalu Mango to international markets in 2023.
  • Over the last three years, APEDA has facilitated international visits for FPOs and stakeholders to destinations such as the UAE and domestic centers of excellence in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
  • The International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) jointly organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, APEDA, and the Government of Bihar on 19-20 May, 2025, saw participation from over 70 international buyers and 40+ domestic exporters.
  • The new APEDA office in Patna will provide direct support to FPOs, FPCs, and exporters, reducing turnaround time and strengthening coordination with state-level institutions.

Sources:

  • Government of India: Landmark initiative to empower Farmers, FPOs, FPCs and boost global market access for agriculture and processed food produce, GI-tagged and One District One Product (ODOP) produce from Bihar
  • Press Information Bureau, Government of India: Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal flags off 7 Metric Ton consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana for New Zealand, Canada and the USA
  • APEDA: Establishment of APEDA Regional Office in Patna marks a significant step towards transforming Bihar into a powerhouse of agricultural and processed food exports
  • Bihar Idea Festival: Inauguration of the Regional Office of APEDA in Patna by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal

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