APEDA role in exports
APEDA opens first regional office in Bihar: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It promotes agricultural exports, provides certification services, and supports exporters with market intelligence and infrastructure.
Static GK fact: APEDA was established in 1985 under the APEDA Act passed by Parliament.
Bihar gets its first APEDA office
Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated Bihar’s first APEDA regional office in Patna during the Bihar Idea Festival. Farmers, exporters, and entrepreneurs from the state can now directly access APEDA services without depending on the Varanasi office.
The event was attended by Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary, Industries Minister Nitish Mishra, farmer groups, FPOs, and entrepreneurs.
Inauguration highlights
At the event, Piyush Goyal said the new office would integrate Bihar’s farmers with the global economy. A 7-metric-ton consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was flagged off to New Zealand, Canada, and USA. This consignment was led by woman entrepreneur Neha Arya, founder of Nehashi.
Static GK Tip: The Mithila region of Bihar produces over 90% of India’s Makhana, giving it global recognition.
GI tagged products of Bihar
Bihar is known for its Geographical Indication (GI) products. Major ones include Mithila Makhana, Shahi Litchi, Jardalu Mango, and Magahi Pan. Traditional sweets like Tilkut also have strong export demand, especially in the UAE and USA.
The Patna office will provide certification, compliance support, and logistics guidance, helping exporters access more global markets.
APEDA initiatives in Bihar
Over the past three years, APEDA has organized capacity-building programmes and training sessions on quality standards, packaging, and logistics.
In May 2025, Patna hosted an international buyer-seller meet where more than 70 buyers from 22 countries participated. These initiatives are positioning Bihar as a hub for sustainable agri-trade.
Static GK fact: India’s agricultural exports crossed USD 53 billion in 2022–23, making India one of the top 10 exporters globally.
Importance for Bihar
The first APEDA office in Bihar is expected to:
- Empower farmers and FPOs with direct export opportunities
- Support start-ups and women-led agri-businesses
- Increase global visibility for GI products
- Boost employment and entrepreneurship in the state
- Strengthen Bihar’s role in India’s agri-export strategy
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
APEDA opens first regional office in Bihar:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Inauguration of APEDA’s first Bihar office |
| Location | Patna, Bihar Idea Festival |
| Inaugurated by | Union Minister Piyush Goyal |
| Key leaders present | Samrat Chaudhary, Nitish Mishra |
| Special export flagged off | 7 metric tons of Mithila Makhana |
| Export destinations | New Zealand, Canada, USA |
| Leading entrepreneur | Neha Arya, founder of Nehashi |
| Major GI products | Mithila Makhana, Shahi Litchi, Jardalu Mango, Magahi Pan |
| Recent APEDA initiative | Buyer-seller meet in May 2025, Patna |
| Ministry under which APEDA functions | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
