GI-Tagged Mithila Makhana Makes First Sea Shipment to Australia

India completed its first-ever sea export of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia in August 2026. The consignment was flagged off from the Integrated Unit of Irradiation-cum-Packhouse in the Sikandarpur industrial area of Bihta near Patna and was routed through Kolkata for sea transport.

Mithila Makhana and GI Tag

Mithila Makhana is a GI-tagged agricultural product linked to the Mithila region of Bihar. A Geographical Indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation due to that origin. GI registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Export Route and Processing

The export consignment was sourced directly from farmers in Darbhanga district and packed in seven containers. The cargo was processed through scientific quality testing, irradiation, and international-standard packaging before movement from Bihta to Kolkata by rail and then by sea to Australia.

The shipment was facilitated with administrative and logistics support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that promotes exports of agricultural and processed food products from India.

Market Linkages and Value Addition

The transaction gave local cultivators around 18% higher profit margins than prevailing local market rates. The shift from air freight to sea transit allows lower transport costs for export consignments of Makhana, which is also known as fox nut or lotus seed.

The export followed an earlier shipment of 7 metric tonnes of value-added flavoured Makhana to Canada in July 2026. Bihar remains the main producing state for Makhana in India, and Darbhanga is one of its important cultivation areas.

Important Facts for Exams

• Geographical Indication tags are granted in India under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• APEDA was established under an Act of Parliament and functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Makhana is commonly called fox nut or lotus seed in English.
• Bihta is located near Patna in Bihar and has an inland dry port facility.

Export Infrastructure in Bihar

Bihta’s Integrated Unit of Irradiation-cum-Packhouse is part of export-oriented food processing infrastructure in Bihar. Irradiation is used in food processing to improve shelf life and maintain quality during long-distance transport.