Around 20 Metric Tonnes of Honey From Assam Exported to US

Why It Matters

The shipment validates the ODOP initiative’s ability to link niche Indian products with global markets, enhancing farmer earnings and diversifying India’s export basket.

Key Takeaways

• 20 metric tonnes of Assam honey shipped to the United States
• First ODOP honey export from Baksa district under government scheme
• Farmers gain ~43% higher price versus local farm‑gate rates
• APEDA provided testing labs to meet U.S. food‑safety standards
• Assam produced 1,650 metric tonnes honey FY 2023‑24, showing scale

Pulse Analysis

Assam’s forest‑rich landscape has long supported a vibrant beekeeping culture among the Karbi, Mishing and Bodo tribes. In fiscal year 2023‑24 the state harvested roughly 1,650 metric tonnes of honey, a figure that underscores both natural endowment and growing commercial interest. The honey from Baksa district, prized for its pesticide‑free, near‑organic profile, reflects a diverse floral base that yields a product with strong nutritional and medicinal appeal. This abundance set the stage for a historic foray into the U.S. market.

The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, launched by the central government, aims to brand a flagship commodity from each district and push it into global supply chains. By designating Baksa honey as the district’s ODOP, officials secured branding, quality‑assurance funding and export‑ready infrastructure. APEDA’s involvement included installing laboratory equipment and facilitating regulatory clearances, ensuring the consignment met stringent U.S. food‑safety standards. On May 9, Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd. dispatched about 20 metric tonnes, marking the first ODOP honey shipment from an aspirational district to the United States.

The export delivers a 43 % price premium to local beekeepers, translating into higher household incomes and stronger rural economies. It also signals growing confidence in Northeast India’s capacity to supply niche, value‑added agri‑products to discerning overseas buyers. As more districts adopt the ODOP framework, exporters can leverage APEDA’s support to replicate this model across spices, fruits and forest‑derived goods. The Assam honey case therefore serves as a blueprint for scaling indigenous commodities into sustainable, high‑margin export streams. Long‑term, this diversification reduces reliance on traditional cotton and tea exports.