In a significant step towards transforming Bihar into a powerhouse of agricultural and processed food exports, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Regional Office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Patna at the Bihar Idea Festival held on 11^th September, 2025 in Patna, Bihar. 

The momentous occasion was graced by the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary, and  Minster Industries, Bihar Nitish Mishra alongside senior officers of the  Government of Bihar, APEDA leadership, entrepreneurs, FPOs and farmer groups.

Bihar’s rich agri-ecosystem is home to a diverse range of high-potential agri-produce, from Shahi Litchi, Jardalu Mango, Mithila Makhana and Magahi Pan to staple grains and a vibrant mix of fruits and vegetables. The Geographical Indication (GI) tags attached to several of these products elevate their global appeal, giving Bihar a unique edge in the international agri-trade arena.

The establishment of APEDA’s Patna Office heralds a new era for Bihar’s agrarian economy, offering farmers, producers and exporters direct access to registration, advisory services, market intelligence, assistance in certification, facilitation of export procedures, market facilitation, infrastructure development and international trade opportunities. Until now, exporters from Bihar were reliant on APEDA’s regional office in Varanasi. The new office will offer direct support to FPOs, FPCs and exporters significantly reducing turnaround time for addressing exporter queries and strengthening coordination with state-level institutions.

Speaking on the occasion,  Piyush Goyal stated, “The opening of the APEDA Regional Office in Patna is not just an administrative milestone—it is a mission to integrate Bihar’s farmers with the global economy. Our farmers, entrepreneurs and exporters have the potential to feed the world. With the right support, Bihar will emerge as a leader in high-value, sustainable agri-exports.”

Echoing the sentiment, the Deputy CM commended the Centre’s initiative and reaffirmed Government of Bihar’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for farmer-led growth and export readiness. APEDA’s continuous support through capacity building, market linkage and quality enhancement has played a pivotal role in making these exports a reality.

Adding a historic touch to the inaugural event, a 7 metric ton consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was flagged off for New Zealand, Canada and the USA. The export was executed by a woman entrepreneur Ms. Neha Arya, founder of Nehashi from Darbhanga, Bihar, a testament to APEDA’s commitment to inclusive and gender-sensitive trade promotion.