Global Agricultural Products from Bihar Showcased at Initial International Trade Event, Enhances Global Exposure
Bihar Embraces Global Markets: International Buyer-Seller Meet Boosts Export Opportunities
Bihar, known for its rich agricultural heritage, is taking strides to expand its presence in the global market. The first-ever International Buyer-Seller Meet was recently held in Patna, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in collaboration with the Government of Bihar, APEDA, and the Trade Promotion Council of India at Gyan Bhawan.
The event provided a platform for local producers, including Farmer Producer Organizations, Self-Help Groups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises, to connect with global buyers. Over 70 international buyers from 20 countries and over 50 domestic buyers participated in the meet.
The focus of the meet was on promoting GI-tagged products, such as makhana, Shahi litchi, Zardalu mango, and Katarni rice. These regional specialties are being showcased as key export opportunities for Bihar.
GI certification boosts the export potential of these products. Jardalu (Zardalu) mangoes from Bhagalpur, Bihar, have already been successfully exported to the UK, supported by APEDA and the Bihar government. Makhana, a popular snack, is being promoted internationally, with a Food & Beverages Buyer–Seller Meet held in New Jersey, USA, to forge new partnerships and export channels.
The event underscored Bihar's readiness for global markets and demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the Centre and State governments. Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, inaugurated the meet and described it as a landmark step in Bihar's journey towards economic transformation.
The technical sessions led by experts on modern farming practices, value chain development, export preparedness, innovative packaging, organic certification, and start-up formalisation empowered local businesses to improve product quality, align with international standards, and expand into new markets.
Products like makhana, pulses, and lentils attracted the attention of catering agencies in the airline and railway sectors. West African buyers showed strong interest in Sattu, a traditional high-protein food from Bihar. Companies from Singapore explored commercial deals for litchis and mangoes from Bihar.
The meet also witnessed over 500 structured B2B meetings, creating fresh export opportunities for Bihar's signature products. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between APEDA, the Government of Bihar, and UAE-based Lulu Group, aiming to extend the shelf life and export scope of Bihar's litchis.
These initiatives include capacity-building programs and participation in exhibitions where Bihar’s GI-tagged horticultural and agricultural products get visibility to international markets. APEDA, in collaboration with Indian missions and state governments, is organising both physical and virtual buyer-seller meets to promote these products internationally.
The event emphasized the government's commitment to promoting export opportunities for GI-tagged products. It serves as a crucial platform for Bihar to expand exports of its GI-tagged makhana, Shahi litchi, Zardalu mango, and Katarni rice by connecting local producers with global buyers and opening new market opportunities.
- The International Buyer-Seller Meet in Patna, organized by various institutions, offered a chance for local businesses to showcase their sports, particularly GI-tagged products, to international buyers.
- Makhana, a popular snack from Bihar, is being promoted in international markets for sports beyond the domestic scene, with a Food & Beverages Buyer–Seller Meet held in New Jersey, USA, aiming to forge new partnerships and export channels.
