In a significant push to enhance agricultural exports from eastern India, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has announced the opening of a new regional office in Patna, Bihar. The move is expected to unlock the export potential of the state’s unique agri-products and offer direct benefits to thousands of farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
The announcement was made by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who said the office would become operational within the next few weeks.
“This regional office will act as a catalyst for value addition, certification, and export promotion for Bihar’s signature produce. It marks a new era for our farmers,” said Choudhary during a press briefing.
A Strategic Step for Bihar’s Agri Economy
With Bihar producing several geographical indication (GI)-tagged and high-demand crops such as Shahi Litchi, Makhana (fox nuts), Zardalu Mango, maize, and vegetables, the state has long needed a dedicated export facilitation center. The Patna office will provide support in areas such as:
- Export certifications and clearances
- Branding and marketing assistance
- Infrastructure and cold chain linkages
- Capacity building and training for farmers and FPOs
- Global buyer-seller meets and trade fairs
Currently, Bihar’s agri exports are valued at approximately $17.6 million annually. With APEDA’s focused support, officials aim to triple this figure within three years.
Support for Farmers and FPOs
The APEDA office will work closely with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and startups to improve product quality, packaging, and compliance with global standards. This will also help farmers receive better market prices and reduce dependency on middlemen.
APEDA Chairman M. Angamuthu emphasized the importance of integrating smallholder farmers into export systems:
“With Bihar’s rich biodiversity and fertile lands, this regional office will empower farmers to tap into international markets directly and sustainably.”
Creating Jobs and Infrastructure
The establishment of the regional office is also expected to spur investment in agri-processing units, cold storage facilities, and logistics hubs, especially around Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Mithila regions. This could generate significant rural employment and improve value realization for perishable produce.
Conclusion
The opening of APEDA’s regional office in Bihar is a game-changing moment for the state’s agricultural sector. It not only strengthens Bihar’s position on the global agri-export map but also promises better income, technology access, and global visibility for its farmers. With the right policy support and farmer participation, Bihar is poised to become a key player in India’s agri-export growth story.
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