In a major boost to Bihar’s agri-food sector, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with the Government of Bihar, APEDA, and the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), successfully hosted the state’s first-ever International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at Gyan Bhawan in Patna. This two-day event provided an essential platform for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to connect directly with global buyers and showcase the unique agricultural products of Bihar.
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, inaugurated the meet and described it as a landmark step in Bihar’s journey towards economic transformation. Emphasising youth empowerment and the global potential of local produce, he underscored the state’s rich legacy and its growing role in the international agri-food economy.
The meet attracted over 70 international buyers from 20 countries, including the UAE, Japan, Germany, and the UK, along with more than 50 domestic buyers. Over 500 structured B2B meetings were conducted, creating fresh export opportunities for Bihar’s signature products such as GI-tagged makhana (fox nut), Shahi litchi, Zardalu mango, and Katarni rice.
Among the highlights was strong interest from West African buyers in Sattu, a traditional high-protein food, while companies from Singapore explored commercial deals for litchis and mangoes. Products like makhana, pulses, and lentils also attracted the attention of catering agencies in the airline and railway sectors.
A key outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between APEDA, the Government of Bihar, and UAE-based Lulu Group. The agreement aims to extend the shelf life and export scope of Bihar’s litchis, thereby strengthening the state’s position in global horticultural markets.
In parallel with trade engagements, technical sessions were led by experts from MoFPI, APEDA, NIFTEM-Kundli, ICRIER, the Indian Institute of Packaging, EXIM Bank, and Start-Up India. These sessions focused on modern farming practices, value chain development, export preparedness, innovative packaging, organic certification, and start-up formalisation.
Participants were also introduced to key MoFPI schemes, particularly the PMFME scheme, under which Bihar had the highest number of units approved for FY 2024–25. These sessions empowered local businesses to improve product quality, align with international standards, and expand into new markets.
This event highlighted Bihar’s preparedness for global markets and illustrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the Centre and State governments, setting a standard for future agri-trade collaborations nationwide.
