Bihar’s Geographical Indication-tagged Mithila Makhana, a type of fox nut, is now being exported to Dubai for the first time through a sea route, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” and “Local to Global” vision to promote self-reliant India. This milestone showcases Bihar’s adherence to international quality standards, packaging, traceability, and logistics under PM Modi’s leadership.
The successful export of Mithila Makhana to Dubai highlights the collaborative efforts of The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Bihar government in implementing the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Export Policy. This achievement not only marks a significant export milestone but also signifies the global recognition of Bihar’s products, creating new employment opportunities locally.
Mithila Makhana exporter, Manish Kushwaha, credits PM Modi’s initiative of “Local to Global” for enabling villagers to expand their reach in international markets. The introduction of schemes and subsidies facilitated the purchase of necessary machinery, transforming the local economy into a global one. Through the support of Geographical Indication (GI) and APEDA, local farmers and traders gain access to international markets, significantly increasing their income.
The rise in Makhana prices from Rs 600-800 to Rs 30,000-35,000 due to international trade has tripled the income of farmers, benefiting the local economy. Factory workers like Shatrughan Kumar Sharma and Jaipreet Kumar have found stable employment opportunities in the Makhana industry, significantly improving their economic conditions and eliminating the need for long-distance travel to seek work.
