APEDA Opens First Regional Office in Bihar

In a significant step to strengthen Bihar’s presence on the global agricultural export map, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the first regional office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Patna. The move, announced during the Bihar Idea Festival, is expected to provide farmers, exporters, and entrepreneurs direct access to APEDA services, eliminating dependence on the Varanasi office.

About APEDA and Its Role

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), established under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is responsible for,

• Promoting agricultural exports
• Providing certification and registration services
• Offering market intelligence and advisory support
• Supporting infrastructure for agri-trade

Until now, exporters from Bihar faced delays and logistical hurdles due to the absence of a local APEDA office. The Patna office aims to fill this critical gap.

Highlights of the Inauguration

The inauguration witnessed the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Industries Minister Nitish Mishra, senior officials, FPOs, entrepreneurs, and farmer groups.

Key Announcements and Events,

• Piyush Goyal described the office as a mission to integrate Bihar’s farmers with the global economy.
• Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary called it a new chapter in Bihar’s agricultural growth story.
• A 7-metric-ton consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was flagged off to New Zealand, Canada, and the USA by woman entrepreneur Neha Arya, founder of Nehashi.

Bihar’s GI-Tagged Products and Export Potential

Bihar is home to several Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products, which enhance the state’s export value,

• Mithila Makhana
• Shahi Litchi
• Jardalu Mango
• Magahi Pan

These products, along with traditional sweets like Tilkut, have already made inroads into markets in the UAE, USA, and other countries. The new APEDA office will streamline certification, compliance, and logistics support for such exports.

APEDA’s Work in Bihar

Over the past three years, APEDA has expanded Bihar’s agri-export ecosystem through,

• Capacity-building programmes for farmers and exporters
• Training on global quality standards, packaging, and logistics
• International buyer-seller meets, including the one in May 2025 in Patna, attended by over 70 buyers from 22 countries
• Such efforts are helping Bihar emerge as a hub for sustainable and inclusive agricultural trade.

Importance of the New APEDA Office

The establishment of Bihar’s first APEDA regional office is expected to,

• Empower farmers and FPOs with direct export opportunities
• Support start-ups and women-led enterprises in agri-trade
• Enhance market access for GI-tagged and high-value products
• Boost employment and entrepreneurship in the state
• Strengthen Bihar’s role in India’s agri-export growth strategy

Important Takeaways for Exam

• Event: Inauguration of APEDA’s first Bihar office
• Location: Patna, inaugurated during Bihar Idea Festival
• Specialmilestone: Export of 7 metric tons of Mithila Makhana to New Zealand, Canada, USA
• Bihar GI products: Mithila Makhana, Shahi Litchi, Jardalu Mango, Magahi Pan