The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) inaugurated its first Regional Office in Patna, Bihar, marking a significant step towards transforming Bihar into a major agricultural and processed food export hub. The initiative aims to provide institutional support, market access, export facilitation and capacity building for farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and exporters, thereby integrating Bihar's agricultural economy with global value chains.
The establishment of APEDA's first office in Bihar represents a major institutional intervention to strengthen the state's agri-export ecosystem.Earlier, exporters from Bihar depended upon the APEDA Regional Office at Varanasi for export-related services. The Patna office will now provide localized support, reduce procedural delays and improve coordination with the State Government and export stakeholders.The office is expected to accelerate Bihar's transition from an agriculture-producing state to a high-value agri-exporting state.
The Regional Office will provide end-to-end export facilitation by offering:
These services are expected to improve export readiness and reduce transaction costs for Bihar's exporters.
Bihar possesses a diverse agricultural ecosystem with several high-value products enjoying national and international recognition.Major export-oriented products include:
The presence of multiple Geographical Indication (GI) products enhances Bihar's competitiveness in premium international markets.
During the inauguration, a 7-metric tonne consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was flagged off for export to:
The export was executed by Ms. Neha Arya, founder of Nehashi, Darbhanga, highlighting the growing role of women entrepreneurs in India's agricultural export sector.The initiative reflects the emphasis on inclusive, women-led and rural export growth.
Bihar has registered notable milestones in recent years.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2023 | GI-tagged Jardalu Mango exported internationally |
| 2024–25 | GI-tagged Mithila Makhana exported to UAE and USA |
| Recent Years | Shahi Litchi, Tilkut, Til Laddu and other traditional products entered international markets |
These developments indicate growing global acceptance of Bihar's indigenous agricultural products.
Over the past three years, APEDA has implemented a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Bihar's export ecosystem.Major initiatives include:
These initiatives aim to improve export quality and competitiveness.
APEDA collaborated with several research institutions to improve production, post-harvest management and export quality.Institutions mentioned include:
Such collaborations strengthen technology adoption and value-chain efficiency.
To connect Bihar's producers with global markets, an International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) was organised on 19–20 May 2025 at Gyan Bhawan, Patna.The event was jointly organised by:
The event significantly expanded export opportunities for Bihar's agricultural products.
The establishment of APEDA's Patna office is expected to:
The initiative also aligns with the objective of promoting high-value, sustainable and inclusive agricultural exports.
Established:1986Act:APEDA Act, 1985Administrative Ministry:Ministry of Commerce & IndustryHeadquarters:New DelhiChairman: Appointed by the Government of India
A Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property right identifying products originating from a particular geographical area possessing unique qualities or reputation attributable to that origin.
Updated – 13 September 2025 | News Source – India Shipping News