Assam Exports First Consignment of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan
Guwahati, July 29 (TNT): In a first for Assam’s dairy sector, the State has exported its inaugural international consignment of 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan, marking a significant milestone for value-added dairy exports from the North Eastern Region.
The consignment was flagged off by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on July 28. Exported by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), the shipment will cater to markets in Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing and Wangdue, expanding the presence of dairy products from Assam in neighbouring international markets.
Purabi Ice Cream is manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by NEDFL.
It is produced using milk procured through Purabi Dairy’s cooperative network of dairy farmers across Assam.
The first export consignment includes cups, cones, family packs and gallon packs to serve both retail consumers and institutional buyers in Bhutan.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export by providing support in export documentation, regulatory compliance, market access and stakeholder coordination to ensure seamless shipment to Bhutan.
APEDA said the export reflects its continued efforts to promote value-added agricultural and processed food products from the North Eastern Region while helping exporters meet international standards and access overseas markets.
Officials said Bhutan’s proximity offers a strategic advantage for expanding dairy exports from Assam and could serve as a gateway for increasing the presence of Made-in-Assam dairy products in neighbouring countries.
NEDFL plans to expand its export portfolio by introducing additional Purabi Dairy products with longer shelf life and gradually increasing export volumes in line with market demand.
The initiative is expected to strengthen export opportunities for the dairy sector in the North East, enhance the international presence of products from the region and improve income prospects for thousands of dairy farmers associated with Assam’s cooperative milk network.
APEDA said it will continue working with State governments, exporters, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives and other stakeholders to enhance the global competitiveness of India’s agricultural and processed food products and promote export-led growth.
TNT KM
