Patna: The International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) 2025, launched here today, welcomed 70 international buyers from 20 countries to explore Bihar’s rich agri-food ecosystem. Over 400 business-to-business meetings and procurement commitments from 12 companies aim to propel the state’s exports, spotlighting its potential as a global trade hub.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in partnership with the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), and the Government of Bihar, organised the two-day event to bring together key stakeholders from the food and allied sectors. The IBSM seeks to promote trade, strengthen exports, and unlock Bihar’s vast agri-food potential, leveraging the state’s fertile lands and diverse crops. The inaugural session was attended by Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Nitish Mishra, Industries Minister, and senior officials from MoFPI, APEDA, TPCI, and the Bihar government, underscoring the event’s significance.
The meet attracted 70 international buyers representing 20 countries, including six global retail chains, alongside 50 domestic buyers and 20 institutional buyers. Over 400 curated B2B meetings are designed to generate new market linkages, boost procurement opportunities for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), and translate Bihar’s agricultural strengths into export success. Global players such as LuLu Group (UAE), SARTAJ (Japan), Datar & Sons (UAE), and Global Foods Trading (Germany) expressed keen interest in the large-scale procurement of rice, pulses, spices, fruits, vegetables, and makhana. Companies like Royal Golden Trading (UAE) and UVR Natural Foods (India) 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 session began with a welcome address by Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, who emphasised that the IBSM is the outcome of sustained institutional efforts to bridge market access for India’s agricultural producers and processors. Dev highlighted the launch of ‘Tracenet 2.0’ in 2025, a system that ensures traceability of organic and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products, enhancing the credibility and export readiness of Indian produce, particularly from Bihar. He noted that such initiatives are critical to building trust in global markets, positioning the state’s crops for international success.
Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Government of Bihar, and Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary, MoFPI, addressed the need to increase the level of food processing in the state to generate long-term employment and attract investment. Their remarks underscored the economic potential of the state’s agri-food sector, which could drive prosperity through value-added products and job creation.
Nitish Mishra, Minister of Industries, delivered a keynote address, declaring, “Bihar has the potential to become the growth engine of East India.” He highlighted the presence of a Government of India-approved Mega Food Park at Muzaffarpur, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support food processing industries. Mishra encouraged investors to leverage Bihar’s industrial infrastructure, citing the state’s investor-ready ecosystem and its Single Window Clearance System, which facilitates land allotment within seven days. These measures, he said, make Bihar an attractive destination for global and domestic investors seeking to tap into its agricultural wealth.
Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, emphasised the transformative role of the food processing sector, stating that it is the best way to double farmers’ incomes. Sinha’s remarks highlighted the direct link between processing agricultural produce and improving the livelihoods of the state’s rural farmers, aligning with the state’s broader economic goals.
Chirag Paswan, in his inaugural address, framed the IBSM as a cornerstone of the government’s vision for “Viksit Bharat @2047.” He stated, “This International Buyer-Seller Meet is not just a trade event, it is a turning point for rural prosperity.” Paswan envisioned Bihar’s youth becoming “job creators, not job seekers,” pledging that the government would fully facilitate every investor to realise this vision. Reflecting on Bihar’s rich civilizational legacy, he invoked its historical luminaries—Aryabhatta, Sita Mata, Chanakya, Lord Mahavira, and Lord Buddha—noting, “Bihar has always shown the way. That same potential will now power the growth of the food processing sector.” He affirmed that Bihar’s fertile land and entrepreneurial spirit will play a pivotal role in positioning India as a global food basket, with a “Viksit Bihar” driving a “Viksit Bharat.”
Paswan detailed significant policy achievements, announcing that in the financial year 2024-25, his ministry sanctioned a record 10,270 loans worth ₹624.42 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme to micro food processing units in Bihar, the highest for any state in India. He emphasised that this milestone is not a coincidence but the result of the government’s focused efforts to translate the vision of a developed Bihar into ground-level impact. The loans reflect both the ministry’s resolve to strengthen rural enterprise and the resounding trust that Bihar’s micro-entrepreneurs have placed in government policies.
Drawing a historical parallel, Paswan likened the newly announced National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Bihar to the ancient glory of Nalanda, where scholars from across the world once pursued knowledge. He predicted that NIFTEM would become a modern-day centre of excellence, attracting bright minds from across India to advance research, innovation, and training in food technology. “From being the land of wisdom to becoming a hub of innovation in food, Bihar is once again ready to lead,” he said. Paswan 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 strengths and opportunities in food processing to the world.
Paswan launched a strategic report titled “Strategies to Boost India’s Makhana Exports,” highlighting Bihar’s leadership in this unique GI-tagged product, which has garnered significant global interest. The report outlines actionable steps to enhance makhana’s market presence, further solidifying the state’s niche in the international food trade.
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 international markets. These commitments underscore the IBSM’s success in generating tangible trade outcomes, with global buyers recognising Bihar’s agricultural diversity and processing capabilities. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by the Chairman of TPCI, who praised the seamless collaboration between the central and state governments and expressed optimism about the investment and export momentum generated by the event.
The Bihar International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 serves as a key platform for strengthening Bihar’s position in India’s food processing and agri-export landscape. Over two days, the IBSM features curated B2B engagements, technical capacity-building sessions, and an exhibition showcasing the state’s vibrant food processing ecosystem and value-added product offerings, from processed pulses to makhana-based snacks. The event is expected to catalyse partnerships, attract substantial investments, and open new avenues for the economic development of the state, positioning Bihar as a vital contributor to India’s global food trade ambitions.
– global bihari bureau
