India exports first-ever ODOP honey from Assam to USA

In a significant boost to India’s agri-export landscape and the promotion of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, the first-ever export of ODOP Honey from the Aspirational District of Baksa, Assam to the United States of America was flagged off through the initiative of APEDA on May 9. The consignment was undertaken by an APEDA-registered exporter, Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd., Assam.

The landmark consignment, comprising approximately 20 metric tonnes of honey, was flagged off from Guwahati, Assam. The honey has been processed and packed at the facility of Salt Range Foods Private Limited in Guwahati.

Assam has immense potential for honey production owing to its rich biodiversity, abundant forest resources and long-standing tradition of beekeeping. Honey collection in Assam has been practised for centuries by indigenous communities such as the Karbi, Mishing and Bodo tribes, where it has traditionally been used as food, medicine and in cultural and religious practices. Major honey-producing districts in the state include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Assam produced approximately 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during FY 2023-24, as per National Horticulture Board latest data.

Sourced from eco-friendly and pesticide-free environments, the honey from Baksa district is known for its high quality and near-organic characteristics, reflecting the region’s rich biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices.

Honey from Baksa has also been identified under the ODOP initiative, recognising its strong potential for livelihood generation, value addition and export growth. Baksa honey is widely known for its natural purity, rich floral diversity and high nutritional and medicinal value.

The ODOP initiative, aligned with the Government of India’s vision of promoting district-specific products, aims to identify, brand and promote one product from each district to enhance value addition, create employment opportunities and strengthen local economies. By linking such products to global markets, the initiative plays a crucial role in diversifying India’s export basket and empowering farmers and local producers.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the export by supporting infrastructure development, including the provision of testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure adherence to international quality standards and food safety requirements.

The initiative is expected to significantly benefit local beekeepers and farmers, with farmers receiving approximately 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm gate prices, thereby enhancing income opportunities and strengthening rural livelihoods in the region.

This export initiative marks a significant milestone in integrating farmers from Aspirational Districts into global value chains, ensuring better price realisation and sustained market access. It also highlights the growing export potential of the Northeast region, particularly in niche and value-added agricultural products.

APEDA reiterated its commitment in promoting farmer-led exports, strengthening quality infrastructure and supporting initiatives such as ODOP to position India as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products in global markets.

The ceremonial flag-off was led by the Chief Guest, Aruna Rajoria, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Assam Agriculture Department and Agriculture Production Commissioner, in the presence of Chairman APEDA Abhishek Dev, IAS and Virendra Mittal, IAS, State Project Director (SPD), ARIAS Society.

The programme was also gracedby the presence of Narendra Kumar Shah, IAS, Commissioner, Industry and Commerce Department, Govt. of Assam, Ratul Pathak, ACS, Director of Agriculture Kimnei Changsan, IAS, District Commissioner, Baksa, Dr Sudhanshu, Secretary APEDA, Vinita Sudhanshu, General Manager, Sandeep Saha, Regional Head, APEDA RO NER, Manash Das, ACS, Secretary, BTC, Nripen Das, Director of Horticulture,  Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD Assam, DAO Baksa, officials from KVIC and other dignitaries.