Bihar aims to capture a larger share of the global snack market with flavored makhana.

Bihar’s makhana has transcended being merely a raw agricultural export. In a significant move as part of India’s initiative to enhance the food value chain, the state has sent its inaugural sea shipment of value-added flavored makhana to Canada, capitalizing on the growing global appetite for healthier snack options.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) announced on Thursday that it aided in the shipment of a 7-metric-tonne consignment from Darbhanga to Canada. The cargo, packed in two containers, was processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Pvt. Ltd. and shipped through Mundra Port to the Canadian buyer ZKV Foods.

This export signifies a transition from bulk agricultural goods to ready-to-sell food products, enabling exporters and farmers to secure a larger portion of the final consumer price. APEDA reported that farmers involved in the consignment achieved over 50% higher returns thanks to value addition and improved access to international markets.

This initiative comes as global consumers increasingly favor healthier snack alternatives, presenting opportunities for products like makhana, or fox nuts, marketed for their high protein and low-fat content. Flavored variations have also grown in popularity within India’s organized retail sector in recent years, with several brands positioning them as healthier substitutes for traditional fried snacks.

Bihar stands as India’s leading producer of makhana, working to promote the crop as a premium export product instead of merely a domestic staple. Officials assert that processing, branding, and packaging can enhance the state’s agricultural exports while simultaneously boosting farmer incomes.

The shipment also underscores a larger strategy being embraced by APEDA and the Commerce Ministry aimed at increasing exports of value-added agricultural goods instead of raw commodities. The agency has been collaborating with state governments, farmer producer organizations, processors, and exporters to elevate quality standards, develop export infrastructure, and enhance market access.