The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in collaboration with the Government of Bihar, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, and the Trade Promotion Council of India, successfully concluded the first-ever International Buyer-Seller Meet in Bihar. The two-day event, hosted at Gyan Bhawan, Patna, marked a turning point for the state’s agri-food sector, establishing direct trade linkages between micro, small, and medium enterprises, Farmer Producer Organizations, and Self-Help Groups with leading international buyers.
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan set the tone for the event, describing the IBSM as a defining milestone in Bihar’s economic resurgence. Emphasizing a transformative vision, he underscored Bihar’s potential for global market integration, envisioning a future where the state’s youth become job creators and local agricultural products gain international recognition. He highlighted Bihar’s civilizational legacy of knowledge, resilience, and leadership, positioning the state as a key contributor to the global agri-food economy.
The IBSM witnessed participation from over 70 international buyers across 20 countries, including delegates from the UAE, Singapore, Japan, Ghana, Spain, Germany, and the UK, alongside 50 domestic and 20 institutional buyers. More than 500 structured B2B meetings took place during the event, unlocking unprecedented export opportunities for Bihar’s signature agricultural products, including GI-tagged makhana, Shahi litchi, Zardalu mango, and Katarni rice.
International buyers expressed keen interest in several high-value product categories. West African firms explored procurement opportunities for Sattu, a traditional high-protein food with strong export potential. Singapore-based companies initiated commercial supply discussions for litchi and mango, while airline and railway catering entities examined sourcing options for makhana, rice, pulses, and lentils for in-flight dining and premium train services.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between APEDA, the Government of Bihar, and UAE-based Lulu Group, aimed at improving the shelf life and export potential of Bihar’s renowned litchis, expanding opportunities for the state’s horticultural exports.
Beyond trade negotiations, the IBSM featured a comprehensive capacity-building program designed to empower Bihar’s micro-entrepreneurs, agribusinesses, and food processors. Experts from MoFPI, APEDA, NIFTEM-Kundli, ICRIER, the Indian Institute of Packaging, EXIM Bank, and Start-Up India conducted technical sessions covering advanced topics such as innovative cultivation practices, value chain development, export readiness, packaging solutions, organic certification, and start-up formalization. MoFPI officials also briefed participants on key government schemes, particularly the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, under which Bihar recorded the highest number of sanctioned units in the country during the 2024-25 financial year.
The public exhibition, featuring over 120 exhibitors, showcased Bihar’s thriving agri-food ecosystem, uniting grassroots enterprises, women-led SHGs, emerging exporters, and major national & international brands. The exhibition served as both a business showcase and a demonstration of Bihar’s growing industrial capacity, reinforcing the convergence between regional enterprise and global market ambitions.
The success of IBSM underscores the Centre-State synergy that enabled its execution. Conceptualized by MoFPI, the initiative demonstrated seamless coordination among multiple government agencies, mobilizing producers, facilitating strategic partnerships, and ensuring efficient logistics. This model exemplifies cooperative federalism, showcasing how collaborative governance can drive economic transformation at the state level.
As the IBSM concludes, it stands as more than just a trade event—it reflects India’s evolving approach to food diplomacy, where local producers directly engage with global markets. By linking grassroots agribusinesses with international buyers, the IBSM proves that regional value chains can anchor global partnerships. With strong agri-resources, entrepreneurial momentum, and expanding global trade networks, Bihar is set to play a defining role in positioning India as the Global Food Basket.
