Famous Bihar food products impress at BRICS Summit

Illuminated view of Bharat Mandapam with colorful lights ahead of BRICS 2026 Summit in New Delhi. Photo: @MEAIndia X/ANI Photo

Bihar’s traditional and local products are all set to make a mark on the international stage.

Delegates and foreign guests attending the BRICS summit will get an opportunity to taste the authentic, traditional flavors of Bihar. Sattu and makhana are expected to play a significant role in creating ‘Brand Bihar’ at the global level.

BRICS 2026 Summit Update 11 September

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary posted a message on his social media account X on Friday (September 11, 2026): “Bihar’s pride on the global stage! The sattu and makhana included in the welcome kit at the BRICS summit in Delhi are emblems of our taste, tradition and entrepreneurship.” determination New identity of new Bihar – flavors of Bihar now before the world!’

As part of the hospitality arrangements for the BRICS Summit, local products such as sattu and makhana from Bihar will have a special presence. The presentation of these products in front of international guests will highlight the traditional food culture of Bihar as well as the global potential of the local products.

Sattu is deeply rooted in Bihar food culture and has its own distinct identity – be it litti-chokha, sattu paratha or the popular drink made by mixing sattu with water, often described as ‘desi Horlicks’. It is an integral part of the daily diet of people in the state. Sattu is made from gram (chana).

Makhana, meanwhile, is one of the major agricultural products of Bihar and its demand has increased in recent years both in India and in international markets.

According to estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture, the country’s makhana production reached 80,590 metric tonnes in 2025-26, while its average productivity was 2.34 metric tonnes per hectare. Similarly, makhana production across the country in 2024–25 was 63,910 metric tonnes with an average productivity of 2.03 metric tonnes per hectare. Bihar accounts for approximately 90% of the country’s total makhana production.

In terms of gram (chana) production, the state has also seen an increase in production of over 6,000 metric tonnes over the past decade. Gram production was 63,569 metric tonnes in 2024-25, while its production was 57,490 metric tonnes in 2014-15.

Makhana, on the other hand, is a product associated with Bihar’s wetlands and the hard work of its farmers. It quickly established its presence in international markets.

Efforts will be made to jointly showcase Bihar’s traditions, agriculture and local entrepreneurship through the showcase of these products.

In global markets

Bihar is the leading center of makhana production in the country. Makhana is grown and processed on a large scale in several districts of North Bihar.

Demand for makhana is growing rapidly in international markets as it is no longer seen as just a traditional food, but its popularity as a healthy snack and superfood has grown immensely.

Presenting makhana on an international platform could open up new market opportunities for the state’s farmers, manufacturers and food processing entrepreneurs. Similarly, the prospects of launching sattu in international markets are growing due to modern packaging and processing.

This also proves that the Bihar brand is now being carried out not only through its historical and spiritual heritage but also through local products. Presenting sattu and makhana on a global platform can give a new dimension to ‘Brand Bihar’ while opening greater opportunities for their promotion and acceptance in international markets.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 21:33 IST