Assam ships 20 tons of honey consignment to US, farmers get export market boost

In a major push to India’s agricultural exports and the government’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, APEDA has facilitated the first-ever export of 20 metric tonnes of honey from Assam’s Baksa district to the United States, ANI reported.According to the Commerce and Industry Ministry, the consignment was flagged off on May 9 and exported by APEDA-registered exporter M/s Salt Range Foods Pvt Ltd.“In a major boost to the diversification of India's agricultural exports and furthering the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, the first-ever export consignment of ODOP honey from Baksa, an Aspirational District in Assam, to the USA was flagged off on 09 May 2026 through the initiative of APEDA,” the ministry said in a release.The ministry said the 20-metric-tonne consignment was sourced from Baksa district, which has been identified under the ODOP programme for its strong honey production and export potential.“Sourced from eco-friendly and pesticide-free environments, honey from Baksa district is known for its high quality and near-organic characteristics, reflecting the region's rich biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices,” the release stated.The ministry noted that honey collection has traditionally been practised by indigenous communities such as the Karbi, Mishing and Bodo tribes, where honey has long been used for food, medicinal and cultural purposes.As per National Horticulture Board data cited in the release, Assam produced around 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during FY24. Major honey-producing districts in the state include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region.The government said the export initiative is expected to significantly improve earnings for local beekeepers and farmers.“The initiative is expected to significantly benefit local beekeepers and farmers, with producers receiving nearly 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm gate prices, thereby enhancing income opportunities and strengthening rural livelihoods in the region,” the ministry said.According to the release, APEDA supported the export process by facilitating infrastructure development and providing testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure compliance with global food safety and quality standards.“The export initiative marks a significant milestone in integrating farmers from Aspirational Districts into global value chains, ensuring better price realisation and sustained market access,” the ministry added.The ODOP initiative seeks to promote district-specific products, strengthen local economies, encourage value addition and create employment opportunities by linking regional products with international markets.