The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export shipment of One District One Product (ODOP) honey from Assam’s Baksa district to the United States, marking a significant step in expanding India’s agricultural export basket from the North East region.
The consignment, comprising 20 metric tons of honey, was exported by Assam-based APEDA-registered exporter Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd..
Baksa, an Aspirational District in Assam, has been identified under the Government of India’s ODOP initiative for its high-quality honey production. The district is known for producing honey in eco-friendly and pesticide-free environments, giving the product near-organic characteristics and strong export potential.
Assam’s honey industry benefits from the state’s rich biodiversity, forest resources and long tradition of beekeeping among indigenous communities such as the Karbi, Mishing and Bodo tribes. Honey has historically been used in the region not only as food but also for medicinal, cultural and religious purposes.
Apart from Baksa, key honey-producing districts in Assam include Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). According to data from the National Horticulture Board, Assam produced nearly 1,650 metric tons of honey during FY 2023–24.
Officials said Baksa honey has gained recognition for its natural purity, floral diversity and nutritional value, making it suitable for premium international markets.
The ODOP initiative aims to identify and promote district-specific products across India to boost local economies, create employment opportunities and increase value addition. The programme also focuses on linking regional products with global markets to strengthen export growth.
APEDA, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, supported the export initiative by strengthening infrastructure at the processing facility, including the installation of testing and laboratory equipment to meet international food safety and quality standards.