Global Agricultural Products from Local Bihar Producers Showcase at Inaugural International Business Event, Expanding Global Market Presence
Bihar's Agricultural Products Show Promise in Global Markets
In a significant step towards boosting Bihar's agricultural exports, the first International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) was held in Patna. The two-day event, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in collaboration with several other organisations, provided a platform for Farmer Producer Organisations, Self-Help Groups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises to connect with global buyers.
The technical sessions were conducted by experts from MoFPI, APEDA, NIFTEM-Kundli, ICRIER, the Indian Institute of Packaging, EXIM Bank, and Start-Up India. The discussions covered various topics, including modern farming practices, value chain development, export preparedness, innovative packaging, organic certification, and start-up formalisation.
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, inaugurated the meet and emphasised youth empowerment and the global potential of local produce. He also highlighted the importance of agri-business collaborations in empowering local businesses to improve product quality, align with international standards, and expand into new markets.
One of the key highlights of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between APEDA, the Government of Bihar, and UAE-based Lulu Group. The MoU aims to extend the shelf life and export scope of Bihar's litchis.
The event also showcased the potential of Bihar's signature products such as GI-tagged makhana, Shahi litchi, Zardalu mango, and Katarni rice. While India's rice exports are robust, Bihar's GI-tagged Katarni rice, a premium aromatic variety, holds niche potential due to its geographic indication (GI) status and traditional value. Makhana, an important traditional crop from Bihar with GI recognition, is increasingly valued domestically and internationally for health and snack markets. Bihar's Shahi litchi and Zardalu mango are GI-tagged fruits renowned for quality and flavour but have not featured prominently in headline national export data.
Over 500 structured B2B meetings were conducted, creating fresh export opportunities for these products. Over 70 international buyers from 20 countries, including the UAE, Japan, Germany, and the UK, participated in the meet, along with more than 50 domestic buyers. Companies from Singapore explored commercial deals for litchis and mangoes, while West African buyers expressed strong interest in Sattu, a traditional high-protein food from Bihar.
The event underscored Bihar's preparedness for global markets and set a standard for future agri-trade collaborations nationwide. It also showcased the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the Centre and State governments in agri-trade collaborations. The collaboration highlighted the potential of Bihar's agricultural products, whose current export scale is modest but promising given Bihar's advancing agricultural practices and global demand for culturally unique, healthy, and high-quality food products. Realizing these opportunities will require enhanced supply chain integration, focused international marketing, and tariff management aligned with India’s export policies.
References: 1. India’s Agricultural Exports: Recent Trends and Policy Challenges 2. Bihar's First International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) Held in Patna 3. Bihar's Shahi Litchi and Zardalu Mango: GI-tagged Fruits with Niche Potential 4. Bihar's Agricultural Production and Farming Innovations
- The International Buyer-Seller Meet in Patna, showcasing Bihar's agricultural products, underlined the potential of the country's home-and-garden and food-and-drink industries.
- The collaboration between APEDA, the Government of Bihar, and UAE-based Lulu Group during the meet highlights the finance and business opportunities in extending the domestic agriculture sector's global footprint.
- The event stressed the importance of understanding global-cuisines and modern farming practices in the preparation and marketing of Bihar's signature food products, such as litchis, mangoes, and makhana.
- Empowering local businesses and improving product quality through agri-business collaborations could significantly contribute to the lifestyle and economic growth of Bihar's agriculture-dependent communities.
