Bihar’s Sattu, Makhana Featured in BRICS Summit Welcome Kits

India: Traditional food products from Bihar, including flavoured sattu and makhana, have been showcased on the global stage after being included in welcome kits distributed to foreign delegates and journalists attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Around 1,500 packets of the products have been prepared for participants from BRICS member and partner countries. The inclusion of sattu, a roasted gram flour preparation, and makhana, commonly known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, highlights Bihar’s agricultural strengths, traditional cuisine and growing food-processing industry.

The welcome kits also feature regional products from other Indian states, including Koraput coffee from Odisha and block-printed handicrafts from Gujarat, as part of efforts to promote India’s diverse “Local to Global” offerings.

The sattu supplied for the kits was sourced from manufacturers in Fatuha in Patna district and Madhubani. The products include Jal Jeera-flavoured variants promoted as protein-rich, lactose-free and gluten-free. Makhana was sourced from units in Purnia and included flavours such as peri-peri, mint, cream and onion, along with Achaari Chatka roasted in olive oil.

Bihar accounts for nearly 90 percent of India’s makhana production. National makhana output increased to 80,590 metric tonnes in 2025–26 from 63,910 metric tonnes the previous year. Makhana received a Geographical Indication tag in 2022.

State officials and suppliers said the international exposure could help expand exports and increase the acceptance of Bihar’s traditional food products in overseas markets.

Industries Minister Shreyasi Singh said the BRICS Summit provided an important opportunity to present Bihar’s products to an international audience, describing makhana as a global superfood and sattu as a protein-rich traditional drink.

The initiative has been coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with state agencies and is aimed at presenting the broader “India Story” through locally produced food, agricultural products and handicrafts.