A one-tonne consignment of popped makhana has been flagged off from Purnea in Bihar for export to Greece.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the shipment, which was announced on Friday.

The consignment was sourced by Indo Global Export of Belouri, Purnea, and is being exported through S S Foods Exports. It will travel from Mundra Port to Piraeus Port in Greece.

Officials said the export fetched a higher price than the prevailing domestic rate, showing how global markets can add value for makhana producers.

India is the world’s largest makhana producer, with Bihar accounting for 80 to 85 percent of output. Cultivation covers more than 35,000 hectares across 10 districts of the state.

India exported more than 7,000 tonnes of makhana and value-added products worth $22 million in 2025-26 to over 20 destinations.

Bihar is working on an Agri Export Policy to support farmers through export promotion.

Why it matters: the shipment is a small but symbolic step in turning Bihar’s traditional pond crop into a global superfood.