Guwahati, May 10, 2026: In a significant boost to Assam’s rural economy and India’s agricultural exports, the first-ever consignment of 20 metric tonnes of honey from Baksa district has reached the United States. The export marks a major milestone for beekeepers in the region and highlights the growing global demand for high-quality Northeast Indian honey.
The shipment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and flagged off from Guwahati. Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd., an APEDA-registered exporter, handled the consignment, which originated from Baksa — one of Assam’s Aspirational Districts.
This achievement is a direct success story of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, under which honey has been identified as the signature product of Baksa. The move aligns with national efforts to promote value-added agricultural exports, integrate small farmers into global supply chains, and reduce dependence on middlemen.
Higher Returns for Beekeepers
Farmers associated with the initiative are reportedly earning nearly 43% higher prices compared to local farm-gate rates. This increased income realisation is expected to encourage scientific beekeeping practices, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable rural development in the area. Indigenous communities such as the Bodo, Karbi, and Mishing, who have long practised traditional beekeeping, stand to benefit significantly from this export opportunity.
Baksa honey is prized for its superior quality, derived from the district’s rich biodiversity, eco-friendly environments, and near-organic production methods with minimal use of pesticides. Assam as a whole produced approximately 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during 2023-24, indicating strong potential for scaling up exports.
A Boost for Northeast Agri-Exports
The successful export is being viewed as a milestone for Northeast India’s agricultural sector and complements the objectives of the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission. It exemplifies the “Local to Global” vision, demonstrating how traditional products from aspirational districts can find premium markets abroad through quality adherence and institutional support.
Officials hope this first shipment will pave the way for larger and more regular exports, further strengthening the beekeeping ecosystem in Assam and inspiring similar initiatives across other districts in the region.
This sweet success not only puts Assam honey on the international map but also brings tangible economic benefits to the hardworking farmers and beekeepers who form the backbone of this industry.
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