A one-tonne consignment of popped makhana was flagged off from Purnea in Bihar for export to Greece on Friday, in a push to take the state’s famous crop global.

The shipment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). It was sourced by Indo Global Export of Belouri, Purnea, and is being exported through S.S. Foods Exports. The consignment will travel from Mundra Port to Piraeus Port in Greece.

Officials said the export fetched a higher price than the prevailing domestic market rate. That shows how international markets can add value for makhana producers, many of whom farm at small scale.

India is the world’s largest makhana producer, with Bihar accounting for 80 to 85 percent of national output. Cultivation spans more than 35,000 hectares across 10 districts. In FY 2025-26, India exported over 7,000 tonnes of makhana and value-added products worth $22 million to more than 20 destinations.

Why it matters: Bihar is drafting an Agri Export Policy to help farmers earn more through exports. Small, well-targeted shipments like this one build the trade links that can lift farm incomes.