First Export of Baksa Honey to the US Marks a Milestone
Historic Honey Export from Baksa
Officials flag off the first ODOP honey export consignment to the United States on Saturday. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, May 9: The inaugural export shipment of One District One Product (ODOP) honey from Baksa to the United States was officially launched on Saturday, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
This shipment consists of approximately 20 metric tonnes of honey, exported by Salt Range Foods Pvt Ltd, a company registered with APEDA.
The honey was processed and packaged at the company's facility located in Guwahati prior to its dispatch to the US market.
Baksa honey is celebrated for its exceptional quality and near-organic attributes, showcasing the area's rich biodiversity and sustainable farming methods.
This product has been selected under the ODOP initiative due to its significant potential for generating livelihoods, adding value, and boosting export growth.
The initiative is anticipated to greatly benefit local beekeepers and farmers, with producers earning nearly 43% more than the current local farm gate prices.
Furthermore, this initiative aims to enhance rural livelihoods and create additional income opportunities in the region.
Known for its natural purity, diverse floral sources, and high nutritional and medicinal benefits, Baksa honey is well-suited for premium international markets.
The ODOP initiative aligns with the Government of India's goal of promoting district-specific products, aiming to identify, brand, and market one product from each district to boost value addition, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
By linking these products to global markets, the initiative aspires to diversify India's export portfolio while empowering local farmers and producers.
APEDA, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, played a crucial role in facilitating this export by enhancing infrastructure, including providing testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to meet international food safety and quality standards.
The agency reaffirmed its dedication to promoting farmer-led exports, enhancing quality infrastructure, and supporting ODOP initiatives to establish India as a dependable supplier of high-quality agricultural products in global markets.
The ceremonial flag-off was conducted by Aruna Rajoria, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam, Agriculture Department, alongside Agriculture Production Commissioner, Abhishek Dev, and Virendra Mittal.
Notable honey-producing districts in Assam include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri, and Tamulpur within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
According to the National Horticulture Board, Assam produced nearly 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during the financial year 2023-24.