Assam CM Himanta flags off Purabi Dairy’s first ice cream export to Bhutan
In a major boost to the dairy sector of Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday flagged off Purabi Dairy’s first export consignment of 5,627 litres of Purabi ice cream to Bhutan, marking the first such export of dairy products from the State. The consignment will make Purabi ice cream available in major markets across Bhutan, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing and Wangdue.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Minister for Cooperation Kaushik Rai. Senior Government officials — KC Samria, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Fishery & Animal Husbandry, Govt of Assam, Aruna Rajoria, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture, Govt of Assam; Virendra Mittal, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Finance, Govt of Assam; Anant Lal Gyani, IAS, Secretary, Cooperation, Govt of Assam; Sunita Rai, Deputy General Manager, APEDA; SB Bose, Managing Director, NEDFL —and representatives of the organisations involved in facilitating the export were also present on the occasion.
Commenting on the export, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This export marks a proud milestone for Assam and reflects the growing strength of our dairy sector. Purabi ice cream is made from milk produced by farmers across the State, and its entry into the Bhutanese market will create new opportunities for our dairy cooperatives and rural producers.”
Commenting on the milestone, Assam Minister for Cooperation & Chairman, NEDFL, Kaushik Rai said, “The export of Purabi ice cream to Bhutan is a significant achievement for Assam’s dairy sector and reflects the strength of the entire Purabi value chain. Every pack in this consignment has been manufactured using milk produced by farmers of Assam, making this milestone particularly meaningful for our dairy farmers.”
Sunita Rai, Deputy General Manager, APEDA, said, “APEDA has been working to promote exports of agricultural and processed food products from the Northeast and to help organisations in the region meet the requirements of international trade. The export of Purabi ice cream to Bhutan is an important development for Assam, and APEDA is pleased to facilitate NEDFL and Purabi Dairy in completing the required export procedures and formalities.”
