Patna: Flavoured variants of Bihar’s famed makhana and sattu will be part of the welcome kits for foreign delegates and journalists attending the Brics summit, putting the state’s traditional food products before an international audience.Around 1,500 packets of flavoured sattu and makhana have been prepared for the kits, which will be handed over to delegates from 11 countries, including India. The initiative by the state industries department is aimed at showcasing Bihar’s food products beyond the domestic market and highlighting their nutritional value, quality and commercial potential.The move is also expected to support the state’s ‘Brand Bihar’ campaign, particularly as the govt seeks to attract investment in food processing, value addition and allied sectors. Officials said international exposure could help create new markets for Bihar’s food products and open opportunities for farmers, processors and entrepreneurs.The sattu included in the kits has been sourced from a manufacturer in Fatuha in Patna district, while the makhana has been procured from a production unit in Purnia.Industries minister Shreyasi Singh said the Brics summit will be provide an opportunity to showcase Bihar’s products internationally. “Makhana, primarily produced in Bihar, is the world’s superfood today and sattu in itself is a protein shake in its truest form. Sending both these to the Brics summit gives a sense of pride to every Bihari and our products the correct platform,” she said.Industries secretary Kundan Kumar said, “Through this summit, both makhana and sattu will be tried by delegates from 10 foreign countries, apart from India,” he said.Sachin Kumar, owner of Sattuz, whose sattu was included in the kits, thanked the Centre and state industries department for providing the platform. “We especially selected Jal Jeera flavour for the kit as it is in huge demand,” he said.Akarsh Singh, vice-president of Farmley, which supplied the packaged makhana for the kits, said the company, “We are thankful to Biada for providing us the opportunity to showcase our product on such a platform. This will help boost the export and acceptance of makhana worldwide,” he said, adding the company had selected three of its nine flavours — peri-peri, mint, and cream and onion — for the kits.According to agriculture department estimates, India’s makhana production increased to 80,590 metric tonnes in 2025-26 from 63,910 metric tonnes in 2024-25. Bihar accounts for nearly 90% of the country’s total makhana production, making it the principal hub of makhana cultivation.
