MITHILA MAKHANA: BIHAR’S GI-TAGGED SUPERFOOD ENTERS AUSTRALIAN MARKET

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MITHILA MAKHANA: BIHAR’S GI-TAGGED SUPERFOOD ENTERS AUSTRALIAN MARKET

Context: In August 2026, APEDA facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia. The consignment was sourced directly from farmers of Darbhanga district and packed at the BIADA Industrial Area, Bihta. Farmers reportedly received nearly 18% higher returns than prevailing market rates.

About Mithila Makhana: Makhana is the edible seed of Euryale ferox, an aquatic plant grown in ponds and wetlands. Bihar accounts for nearly 85% of India’s production. Its processed, popped seeds are valued as a low-fat snack and are increasingly marketed as a premium health food.

Historical Background: The Mithila Makhana GI application was filed by the Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh in 2020. The GI registration certificate was granted on 16 August 2022 and remains valid up to August 2030. GI protection links the product’s commercial identity with its geographical origin and traditional production system.

Government Approach: India is promoting makhana through GI-based branding, better processing, export facilitation, Farmer Producer Organisations and market diversification. Separate HS codes for popped makhana, makhana flour/powder and other makhana products became operational from July 2025, enabling more accurate trade tracking.

Current Status and Significance: India exported more than 7,000 MT of makhana and value-added products to over 20 destinations during FY 2025–26. The Australia shipment demonstrates the potential to move Bihar’s makhana from a regional crop to a high-value global product. The next challenge is maintaining quality, traceability, processing capacity and higher farmer participation in export value chains.

Analytical Questions 

1. Why is the export of Mithila Makhana important beyond earning foreign exchange?

Answer: Its importance lies in value addition and better farmer income. A GI-tagged product can build a distinct global identity for the region. Export demand can also encourage better processing, packaging and quality standards. If farmers are linked directly with exporters, a larger share of the final value can reach them.

2. How does a GI tag help a product like Mithila Makhana, and what are its limits?

Answer: A GI tag protects the regional identity of the product and can improve branding and consumer trust. But a GI tag alone does not guarantee higher income. Farmers also need quality control, traceability, collective marketing, processing facilities and market access. Branding works best when backed by a strong value chain.

3. Why are separate HS codes for makhana products important for policy making?

Answer: Separate HS codes allow the government to track exports more accurately. This helps identify which makhana products are doing well, which markets are growing and where support is needed. Better trade data can improve export policy, logistics planning and incentives. Good data is often the first step toward better policy.

4. What are the main risks if makhana exports grow rapidly in the coming years?

Answer: Rapid growth can create pressure on quality, water resources, processing standards and farmer bargaining power. There is also a risk that middlemen capture most of the gains. The solution is better farmer organisations, scientific cultivation, transparent procurement, food-safety standards and reliable traceability from farm to export market.

5. If you were District Magistrate in Darbhanga, how would you help farmers benefit more from makhana exports?

Answer: I would strengthen FPOs, improve access to grading and processing units, and connect farmers directly with exporters. Training on quality standards and digital traceability would be important. I would also support storage, testing and branding facilities. The aim should be to move farmers from raw produce sellers to value-chain participants.