Assam made a big breakthrough in agricultural export on Saturday with the first-ever overseas shipment of Baksa district honey to the United States from Guwahati.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Central government’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, which is designed to encourage the sale of products from a particular place in other parts of the world, facilitated export.
Nearly 20 metric tonnes of honey was exported by the exporter Salt Range Foods Pvt Ltd which is registered by EDA. The honey was treated and packaged at its Guwahati’s factory before sending abroad.
Agriculture production commissioner and agriculture department commissioner-secretary Aruna Rajoria formally flagged off the consignment. According to the officials, the export is a big boost to the beekeeping industry of Assam and the bee farmers of the state.
The Baksa honey is obtained from completely pesticide-free and eco-friendly environment and it holds great value for its near-organic quality and purity, according to the statement. The unique biodiversity, forestry, and agriculture in the region are also important factors that enhance the quality of the honey.
Baksa honey was found under the ODOP project due to its significant potential for export growth, rural employment and value-added agricultural development. The successful shipment could generate new opportunities for beekeepers and businesspeople from the region across the world.
The beekeeping history and favorable climatic conditions prevalent in Assam have resulted in its becoming an important honey-producing state of the nation. The latest figures from the National Horticulture Board indicated that the state was able to make about 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during 2023-24.
In addition to Baksa, other major honey production areas in Assam are the districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region. The officials hope that the export drive would boost Assam’s presence in the international natural and organic food market.