Bihar aims to boost agri-food exports at International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025

Bihar is at the forefront of India's agricultural and food export initiatives, evidenced by the ongoing International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) 2025 in Patna. Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, along with senior state officials, opened this two-day event, which aims to enhance global trade relationships and promote Bihar's agricultural capabilities. With attendance from 70 international buyers from 20 countries, including notable global retail chains, the meet is set to stimulate significant procurement processes, showcasing products like rice, spices, and fruits. The commitments from various international representatives signal strong interest in sourcing from Bihar, underlining the state's potential as a food export hub. Noteworthy companies like LuLu Group from the UAE and global players from Japan and Germany are involved in these procurement meetings, indicating a robust momentum for Bihar’s agri-food sector. The meeting also featured various technical sessions and exhibitions designed to foster connections among stakeholders, enhancing the impact of the local food processing industry. Chirag Paswan, addressing participants, emphasized that the event could act as a transformative point for rural prosperity, highlighting the government’s long-term commitment to fostering an environment conducive to investment and job creation for Bihar's youth. Alongside this, Vice Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha pointed out food processing as a key strategy for doubling farmers’ income, showcasing the administration’s focus on integrating farmers into the country's broader economic framework. The meet further reiterated Bihar's existing strengths, with the state having sanctioned 10,270 loans under the PMFME Scheme for the fiscal year 2024-25, reflecting the highest figures across Indian states. This initiative, combined with the establishment of institutions such as the NIFTEM Institute, is anticipated to place Bihar on the global map of food processing and innovation. The state’s commitment to enhancing the traceability and export readiness of its produce through initiatives like Tracenet 2.0 speaks to a comprehensive strategy aimed at elevating its status in the international market. In conclusion, the IBSM 2025 serves as a pivotal moment for Bihar's agricultural sector, showcasing a collaborative effort from various stakeholders to elevate food exports and contributing significantly to India's agricultural export goals. The Union Minister also extended invitations to key players for World Food India 2025, further underscoring the state's ambitious vision for global engagement in food markets.