Bihar’s farmers are now able to export their vegetables to Dubai, as the state’s Cooperative Minister Prem Kumar recently flagged off the first consignment of 1 500 kg of vegetables to the United Arab Emirates . This shipment marks a significant milestone for the state’s agriculture sector and was prepared with assistance from the Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Cooperative Federation Ltd (VEGFED).

According to MSN, Minister Kumar explained that the consignment was first sent to Varanasi, from where it will be further shipped to Dubai. He emphasized the importance of this shipment, stating, “it is a historic occasion for both cooperative and agriculture fields.” The minister highlighted the slogan “Har thali mein Bihari tarkari” or “every plate filled with Bihar’s vegetables,” which reflects the initiative’s aim to promote the state’s produce internationally.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) played a crucial role in facilitating this shipment to Dubai, which is expected to help farmers secure better prices for their high-quality vegetables. Kumar noted that this shipment serves as a vital step in providing Bihar’s farmers access to international markets, with ongoing discussions about exporting vegetables to Singapore as well.

In addition, the minister announced plans to establish around 200 “tarkari” retail outlets alongside Sudha milk parlors across the state in the coming months, with a total of 534 outlets planned. He confirmed that plots have been identified for the first 200 outlets and that funds have been allocated for their establishment.

To prevent spoilage, the state has also constructed cold storage facilities with a capacity of 10 tonnes in all blocks, along with 20-tonne capacity godowns. Dharmendra Singh, the secretary of the cooperative department, was also present during the event, supporting these initiatives aimed at enhancing the agricultural landscape in Bihar.