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India Ships First ODOP Honey Consignment to US from Assam

India exported its first-ever ODOP honey consignment from Assam's Baksa district to the US, comprising 20 metric tonnes shipped by Salt Range Foods. The initiative, supported by APEDA, aims to integrate local farmers into global value chains and boost rural livelihoods. Beekeepers receive nearly 43% higher price realization compared to local farm gate prices, enhancing income opportunities. Assam's rich biodiversity and traditional beekeeping practices make it a key honey production hub, with Baksa identified for its high-quality, near-organic honey.

Key Points: India Exports First ODOP Honey to US from Assam

  • India exports first ODOP honey from Assam's Baksa to US
  • 20 metric tonnes shipped by Salt Range Foods
  • Local beekeepers get 43% higher price realization
  • APEDA facilitated export with infrastructure and testing support
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India exports first ODOP honey consignment to US

India exports first ODOP honey consignment from Assam's Baksa to the US, boosting local beekeepers with 43% higher prices and global market access.

"The initiative would help integrate farmers from Aspirational Districts into global value chains while promoting sustainable rural livelihoods - Ministry of Commerce and Industry"

New Delhi, May 9

India exported the first-ever consignment of honey under the One District One Product initiative from Assam's Baksa district to the US, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Saturday.

The consignment, comprising 20 metric tonnes of honey, was flagged off with the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the ministry.

The shipment was exported by Assam-based APEDA-registered exporter Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd..

Officials said Assam holds strong potential for honey production due to its rich biodiversity, abundant forest resources and traditional beekeeping practices followed by indigenous communities such as the Karbi, Mishing and Bodo tribes.

According to National Horticulture Board data, Assam produced around 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during FY2023-24.

The government said Baksa has been identified under the ODOP initiative for its high-quality honey, known for its natural purity, rich floral diversity and near-organic characteristics.

Major honey-producing regions in the state include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

APEDA said it facilitated the export by strengthening infrastructure and providing testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure compliance with international food safety and quality standards.

The export initiative is expected to improve income opportunities for local beekeepers and farmers, with producers receiving nearly 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm gate prices, according to the government.

The initiative would help integrate farmers from Aspirational Districts into global value chains while promoting sustainable rural livelihoods and expanding India's value-added agricultural exports, it added.

The ODOP programme aims to identify and promote one unique product from each district to support local economies, generate employment opportunities and boost exports.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

J
Jessica F
Really interesting to see how India is leveraging its biodiversity. Assam's honey sounds like a premium product with those near-organic characteristics. I'd love to try some in the US! 😊 This is the kind of trade that benefits both countries.
A
Arun Y
Great step forward, but we need to ensure this isn't just a one-off. The infrastructure support from APEDA is good, but the real test is sustaining this for the long-term. Hope the local tribes like Karbi and Bodo actually see the benefits, not just the big exporters.
S
Sunita J
As someone from the Northeast, this makes me emotional. Our region has so much potential - rich forests, traditional knowledge, pure products. Finally getting global recognition! 🍯 Hope more districts from Assam and other NE states get the same opportunity under ODOP.
T
Thomas Y
Good for Assam and the local economy. But I hope the government also focuses on quality control and preventing adulteration as exports grow. Indian honey has a great reputation, let's keep it that way. The testing equipment is a step in the right direction.
D
Deepika L
Love to see Atmanirbhar Bharat in action! 🇮🇳 From the forests of Assam to the shelves of America - that's the kind of story we need more of. The tribal communities' traditional beekeeping knowledge combined with modern export standards is a perfect blend. 🐝

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