Patna – In a strategic move aimed at transforming Bihar’s agricultural economy and enhancing its global trade capabilities, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday inaugurated the first-ever regional office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in the state. The launch took place during the Bihar Idea Festival in Patna, setting the stage for stronger institutional support for farmers, exporters, and agri-entrepreneurs in the region. The regional office, now operational in Patna, is expected to serve as a crucial link between local agricultural stakeholders and global markets, enabling faster, more efficient access to APEDA’s wide array of services. These include exporter registration, certification assistance, market intelligence, export infrastructure facilitation, and advisory services. Until now, Bihar’s agri-exporters were dependent on APEDA’s regional facility in Varanasi, which often resulted in delays and logistical hurdles. With the establishment of a dedicated office in the state capital, APEDA aims to ensure more streamlined coordination, better hand-holding of exporters, and closer engagement with local Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and entrepreneurs.
Strengthening Bihar’s Global Agri-Export Aspirations
Addressing the gathering, Piyush Goyal emphasized the strategic importance of Bihar in India’s agricultural landscape. He described the new APEDA office as part of a larger mission to integrate Bihar’s agrarian economy with global trade.
“Our farmers and agri-entrepreneurs have unmatched potential. With focused support, Bihar can become a key player in the global market for high-value, sustainable agricultural exports,” Goyal remarked. He also lauded the state’s rich heritage of unique GI-tagged agricultural products, calling them “ambassadors of India’s culinary and cultural legacy.” Goyal highlighted that the central government is committed to expanding infrastructure and removing barriers for exporters across rural India. “This regional office will not only serve Patna, but will also act as a hub for surrounding districts, ensuring more equitable access to export-oriented services.” Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who shared the dais with Goyal, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in Bihar’s economic trajectory. “This marks a new chapter for our farmers, who will now have direct access to global markets with institutional support. Our government is fully committed to creating an enabling ecosystem for agribusiness and export development,” he said.
Industries Minister Nitish Mishra echoed similar sentiments, stating that the office will catalyze entrepreneurship and unlock export potential in districts that have long remained untapped. The inauguration ceremony was marked by a landmark event – the flagging off of a 7-metric-ton consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to New Zealand, Canada, and the USA. This shipment, executed by Neha Arya, a woman entrepreneur from Darbhanga and founder of Nehashi, underscored APEDA’s vision of inclusive growth in agri-trade. The event highlighted the growing role of women entrepreneurs in Bihar’s evolving export narrative and APEDA’s initiatives to support gender-balanced growth. Speaking at the event, Neha Arya shared her entrepreneurial journey and thanked APEDA for its continued support in packaging, quality certification, and logistics.
Bihar’s Growing Export Footprint: GI-Tagged Products Lead the Way
Bihar’s agricultural profile is marked by a variety of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products including Shahi Litchi, Jardalu Mango, Mithila Makhana, and Magahi Pan. These commodities, known for their distinct quality and heritage, have found increasing traction in international markets. In recent years, Bihar has successfully exported Jardalu Mangoes, Mithila Makhana, and sweets like Tilkut to countries such as the UAE and the United States, thanks to APEDA’s efforts to expand market access and build export capacity.
The unique appeal of Bihar’s agri-products stems from their distinct flavour profiles, traditional cultivation methods, and cultural significance, making them attractive offerings in premium global markets. APEDA’s presence in Bihar is not new in terms of intervention. Over the past three years, it has conducted extensive training programs, helping farmers, FPOs, exporters, and agri-startups understand global standards in quality, packaging, compliance, and logistics.
In May 2025, Patna hosted an International Buyer-Seller Meet which saw participation from over 70 buyers from 22 countries, further enhancing global connectivity for local producers. These initiatives are already bearing fruit, with more exporters from Bihar registering and more products making their way abroad. The regional office is expected to institutionalize these efforts, ensuring sustained engagement with stakeholders and faster resolution of export-related bottlenecks. Another key focus area for APEDA in Bihar will be agri-export infrastructure development, particularly in establishing modern packhouses, processing units, and cold chain logistics hubs. Bihar’s perishable produce often suffers from post-harvest losses, limiting its competitiveness in overseas markets.
With support from the new regional office, exporters can expect guidance and funding assistance for building infrastructure that meets global standards – an essential step in transforming Bihar into a high-value export hub. Goyal emphasized that support under schemes like the Agri Infrastructure Fund and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme will be aligned with state-level initiatives to optimize resource utilization.
Empowering FPOs and Startups
The new office will serve as a one-stop facilitation center for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), helping them access APEDA schemes, understand international compliance requirements, and link directly with overseas buyers. Bihar has seen a surge in agri-based startups, many of which are now exploring exports for value addition. The Patna office is expected to function as a knowledge and support hub for these young ventures, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in the agri-export sector.
FPOs and startups can now access APEDA services without the need to travel long distances, saving time and resources. This proximity-based support model is likely to improve participation from districts that have traditionally lacked exposure to international trade opportunities. APEDA’s focus on quality enhancement, standardization, and certification will be crucial for Bihar’s farmers aiming to expand into premium markets such as the European Union and Japan, where stringent quality norms apply.
Officials said that the Patna office will work closely with testing labs, certification bodies, and government departments to ensure that products from Bihar meet the phytosanitary and packaging standards required in foreign markets. Training programs on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), HACCP, traceability systems, and residue monitoring are also on the agenda, reflecting APEDA’s holistic approach to building export readiness. One of the defining goals of the Patna regional office is to promote a sustainable and inclusive export model. This includes supporting small and marginal farmers, ensuring gender equity, and facilitating the participation of backward regions and minority communities in global agri-trade. The successful export of Mithila Makhana by a woman-led business has set a precedent, but APEDA officials say more targeted outreach and mentoring programs will be launched to ensure that underrepresented groups can benefit from the export ecosystem.
Creating Jobs and Driving Rural Prosperity
A boost in exports is expected to create employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain – from farm labor to packaging, logistics, processing, and marketing. Officials believe that a thriving export sector will not only increase farmers’ income but also trigger ancillary industries in food processing and agri-logistics. This aligns with the central government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income and enhancing rural prosperity through market-led interventions. The opening of APEDA’s regional office in Patna is a decisive step in institutionalizing Bihar’s place on the global agri-export map. With focused support, enhanced infrastructure, and a clear roadmap for inclusion, Bihar’s agricultural economy is poised to move beyond subsistence towards sustainability and scale. The initiative signals a deeper collaboration between state and central authorities in driving export-led agricultural transformation, with tangible benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs, and the broader rural economy.
