India Exports First ODOP Honey Consignment from Assam to the United States

India has exported the first-ever international consignment of honey under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative from Assam’s Baksa district to the United States, marking a major milestone for the Northeast’s agri-export sector and rural livelihood economy. The shipment, comprising around 20 metric tonnes of honey, was flagged off from Guwahati with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The export consignment was undertaken by Assam-based APEDA-registered exporter Salt Range Foods Private Limited. Officials said the honey was processed and packed at the company’s facility in Guwahati before being dispatched for the US market. The initiative is being viewed as a significant breakthrough for Assam’s beekeeping sector and the government’s broader efforts to integrate local agricultural products into global value chains.

Baksa district has been identified under the Centre’s One District One Product programme for its high-quality honey, which is known for its natural purity, floral diversity, and near-organic characteristics. Officials stated that the honey is sourced from eco-friendly and pesticide-free environments in the region, reflecting Assam’s rich biodiversity and long-standing traditional beekeeping practices among indigenous communities including the Bodo, Karbi, and Mishing groups.

According to National Horticulture Board data, Assam produced approximately 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during FY2023-24. Major honey-producing districts in the state include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri, and Tamulpur, particularly within the Bodoland Territorial Region. The government believes the export initiative could substantially improve income opportunities for local beekeepers and farmers while encouraging value addition and export-oriented agricultural production in the Northeast.

APEDA reportedly facilitated the export by strengthening infrastructure and supporting quality-compliance mechanisms, including the provision of laboratory and testing equipment at the processing facility to ensure adherence to international food safety standards. Officials stated that producers involved in the initiative are receiving nearly 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm gate prices, significantly improving earnings for rural producers.

The ODOP initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader strategy to identify and promote one distinctive product from each district across the country. The programme aims to strengthen local economies, create employment opportunities, support micro and small enterprises, and expand India’s exports of region-specific agricultural and artisanal products.

Officials believe the successful export of Assam honey to the US could open new international opportunities for northeastern agricultural products, particularly those linked to sustainable farming, biodiversity-rich ecosystems, and indigenous production traditions. The development is also expected to strengthen Assam’s position as an emerging hub for premium honey production in India’s growing agri-export ecosystem.