India Exports ODOP Honey Consignment from Assam’s Baksa District to USA

In a major milestone for India’s agricultural export diversification and the Government’s flagship One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, the country on Friday flagged off the first-ever export consignment of ODOP-certified honey from Baksa district in Assam to the United States.

The landmark shipment, comprising 20 metric tonnes of premium honey, was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The consignment was exported by APEDA-registered exporter M/s Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd., based in Assam, marking a significant breakthrough for the North Eastern Region’s growing participation in international agricultural markets.

The development is being seen as a major step toward integrating farmers and rural producers from India’s Aspirational Districts into global value chains while creating new livelihood opportunities through value-added agricultural exports.

Baksa Honey Emerges as Global Export Product Under ODOP Initiative

Baksa district, located in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), has been identified under the Government of India’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative for its distinctive honey production potential.

The district’s honey is widely recognised for:

• Natural purity

• Rich floral diversity

• High nutritional value

• Medicinal properties

• Near-organic characteristics

• Sustainable and eco-friendly production methods

Officials said the region’s pesticide-free environment and dense biodiversity contribute significantly to the superior quality of honey produced in the area.

The ODOP initiative aims to identify and promote one unique product from each district across India to strengthen local economies, encourage value addition, generate employment and enhance exports.

By connecting district-specific products to international markets, the initiative is helping diversify India’s agricultural export basket while supporting grassroots entrepreneurship and rural incomes.

Indigenous Beekeeping Traditions Fuel Assam’s Honey Economy

Assam has long held immense potential for honey production due to its rich ecological diversity, forest resources and traditional beekeeping practices.

Honey collection and apiculture have been practised for generations by indigenous communities such as:

• Karbi tribes

• Mishing communities

• Bodo communities

For centuries, honey has been used in these communities not only as food but also for medicinal, cultural and religious purposes.

Major honey-producing districts in Assam include:

• Baksa

• Kokrajhar

• Chirang

• Udalguri

• Tamulpur

all located within the Bodoland Territorial Region.

According to the latest data from the National Horticulture Board, Assam produced approximately 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during FY 2023–24, underlining the state’s growing importance in India’s apiculture sector.

APEDA Strengthens Quality Infrastructure for Global Compliance

APEDA played a crucial role in facilitating the export by supporting infrastructure development and ensuring international quality compliance.

Officials stated that the agency assisted in establishing testing and laboratory facilities at the processing centre to meet stringent international food safety and export standards demanded by global markets such as the United States.

The support included:

• Quality testing infrastructure

• Laboratory equipment

• Export certification support

• Food safety compliance systems

• Processing facility enhancement

The initiative is part of APEDA’s broader strategy to strengthen farmer-led exports and improve India’s competitiveness in premium agricultural products.

Farmers Receive Nearly 43% Higher Price Realisation

One of the most significant outcomes of the export initiative has been the economic benefit to local beekeepers and farmers.

According to officials, honey producers associated with the export initiative received nearly 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm-gate prices.

The enhanced earnings are expected to:

• Improve rural incomes

• Encourage scientific beekeeping

• Promote sustainable agriculture

• Generate local employment

• Reduce dependence on middlemen

• Strengthen rural entrepreneurship

Experts believe the export success could encourage more farmers in the region to adopt commercial apiculture as a sustainable livelihood option.

North East Emerging as Hub for Niche Agricultural Exports

The successful export of Baksa honey also reflects the growing export potential of India’s North Eastern Region, particularly in niche and value-added agricultural products.

Over the last few years, the region has gained increasing recognition for products such as:

• Organic spices

• Exotic fruits

• Bamboo products

• Herbal products

• Tea and specialty teas

• Natural honey

• Medicinal plants

Government agencies are now focusing on improving logistics, certification, branding and market access to integrate northeastern agricultural products into global supply chains.

ODOP Initiative Driving Rural Transformation

The One District One Product initiative has emerged as a major pillar of India’s strategy to promote local products under the broader vision of:

• Vocal for Local

• Aatmanirbhar Bharat

• Export-led rural development

• Farmer income enhancement

• Value addition in agriculture

Officials noted that connecting district-level products to international markets not only boosts exports but also strengthens local identity, encourages entrepreneurship and creates sustainable rural economies.

The export of Baksa honey is expected to serve as a model for similar district-specific agricultural products across India seeking access to premium global markets.

APEDA Reaffirms Commitment to Farmer-Led Exports

APEDA reiterated its commitment to supporting farmer-centric export initiatives by strengthening quality infrastructure, facilitating market linkages and promoting products identified under the ODOP programme.

The authority stated that such initiatives are critical for positioning India as a reliable global supplier of high-quality agricultural and food products.

Industry experts believe the successful entry of Assam’s honey into the US market could open new opportunities for Indian natural and organic products in international premium food segments.