Bihar hosts IBSM to unlock state’s agri-food potential

The event saw participation from 70 international buyers representing 20 countries, including six global retail chains

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in partnership with Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) and the Government of Bihar, recently organised an International Buyer Seller Meet (IBSM) in Patna.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the food and allied sectors to promote trade, strengthen exports, and unlock Bihar’s agri-food potential.

The inaugural session was graced by Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries.

The event saw participation from 70 international buyers representing 20 countries, including six global retail chains, alongside 50 domestic and 20 institutional buyers.

The event witnessed global players like LuLu Group (UAE), SARTAJ (Japan), Datar & Sons, (UAE) and Global Foods Trading (Germany), who are exploring large-scale procurement of rice, spices, makhana, and fruits from Bihar. Companies such as Royal Golden Trading (UAE) and UVR Natural Foods (India) have also announced concrete sourcing plans, reaffirming Bihar’s emergence as a trusted sourcing hub under the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

The welcome address was given by Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, who emphasised that the IBSM is an outcome of sustained institutional efforts to bridge market access for India’s agricultural producers and processors. He noted that initiatives such as the launch of ‘Tracenet 2.0’ in 2025 for traceability of organic and GI-tagged products would further enhance credibility and export readiness of Indian produce.

Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Government of Bihar and Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary, MoFPI stressed the need to increase the level of food processing in the state to generate long-term employment and investment.

Nitish Mishra, Minister of Industries, Government of Bihar, in his keynote address, stated, “Bihar has the potential to become the growth engine of East India.” 

He mentioned the presence of a Government of India-approved Mega Food Park at Muzaffarpur and encouraged investors to leverage Bihar’s industrial infrastructure. He mentioned the state’s investor-ready ecosystem and the proactive allotment of land within 7 days through the Single Window Clearance System.

Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, underscored the importance of the food processing sector and mentioned that it is the best way to double farmers’ income.

Paswan stated, “The International Buyer Seller Meet is not just a trade event, it is a turning point for rural prosperity.” The minister added, “We envision Bihar’s youth to become job creators, not job seekers. We will ensure every investor is fully facilitated by the government.”

Paswan stated that in the financial year 2024–25, his ministry has sanctioned a record 10,270 loans worth Rs 624.42 crore under the PMFME Scheme to micro food processing units in Bihar—the highest for any state in the country.

The minister also extended a warm invitation to all stakeholders to participate in World Food India 2025, the Ministry’s flagship global event, which will showcase India’s strength and opportunities in food processing to the world.

Minister, Food Processing Industries also launched a strategic report titled “Strategies to Boost India’s Makhana Exports”, underscoring Bihar’s leadership in this unique GI-tagged product.

Significantly, 12 companies announced procurement commitments for rice, pulses, spices, fruits, vegetables, and makhana from Bihar—marking a breakthrough in long-term sourcing partnerships with countries. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by the Chairman, TPCI, who praised the collaboration between the central and state governments and expressed optimism about the investment and export momentum generated by the event.