Bihar’s famous food products make a mark at BRICS Summit

An illuminated view of Bharat Mandapam with colourful lights ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026, 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 savour the authentic, traditional flavours of Bihar. Sattu and makhana are expected to play a significant role in establishing ‘Brand Bihar’ at the global level.BRICS Summit 2026 updates on September 11Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday (September 11, 2026) posted a message on his social media account X saying, “Bihar’s pride on the global stage! The sattu and makhana included in the welcome kit at the Delhi BRICS Summit are emblems of our taste, tradition, and entrepreneurship. Gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Mod ji, who has realised the ‘Local to Global’ resolve. The new identity of a new Bihar — Bihar’s flavours 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 before international guests will highlight Bihar’s traditional food culture as well as the global potential of its local products.Sattu is deeply rooted in Bihar’s food culture and has a distinctive identity of its own — whether it is 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 of gram (chana).Makhana, meanwhile, is one of Bihar’s major agricultural products and its demand has grown both in India and international markets in recent years.According to Agriculture department estimates, the country’s makhana production reached 80,590 metric tonne in 2025-26, while its average productivity stood at 2.34 metric tonne per hectare. Similarly, makhana production across the country in 2024-25 was 63,910 metric tonne, with average productivity of 2.03 metric tonne per hectare. Bihar accounts for around 90% of the country’s total makhana production.Regarding production of gram (chana), the State has also witnessed an increase of more than 6,000 metric tonne in its production over the past decade. The production of gram was 63,569 metric tonne in 2024-25 whereas its production stood at 57,490 metric tonne in 2014-15. Makhana, on the other hand, is a product linked to Bihar’s wetlands and the hardwork of its farmers. It has rapidly established its presence in international markets.Efforts will be made to showcase Bihar’s traditions, agriculture and local entrepreneurship together, through the presentation of these products.In the global marketsBihar is the leading centre of makhana production in the country. Makhana is cultivated and processed on a large scale in several districts of northern Bihar.The demand for makhana has been rising rapidly in international markets as it is no longer seen merely as a traditional food item but its popularity as a healthy snack and a superfood has increased tremendously. The presentation of makhana on an international platform could open up new market opportunities for the state’s farmers, producers and entrepreneurs involved in food processing. Similarly, the prospects of taking sattu to international markets are growing through modern packaging and processing.It also proves that Bihar’s branding is now being carried out not only through its historical and spiritual heritage but also through its local products. Presenting sattu and makhana on a global platform can give ‘Brand Bihar’ a new dimension, while opening up greater possibilities for their promotion and acceptance in international markets. Published - September 11, 2026 09:33 pm IST