Assam’s dairy sector achieved a major milestone as the state exported its first international consignment of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan, marking a significant step in expanding value-added dairy exports from the North Eastern Region.
The inaugural consignment of 5,627 litres was flagged off by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Tuesday. Exported by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), the shipment will supply Purabi Ice Cream to major markets across Bhutan, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing and Wangdue.
The export is expected to strengthen the presence of dairy products from Assam and the North East in neighbouring international markets while creating new opportunities for the region’s dairy farmers.
Purabi Ice Cream is manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by NEDFL. It is produced using milk sourced through Purabi Dairy’s extensive cooperative network of dairy farmers across Assam. The first export consignment includes a range of products such as cups, cones, family packs and gallon packs to cater to both retail consumers and institutional buyers in Bhutan.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the shipment by assisting with export documentation, regulatory compliance, market access and coordination among stakeholders. The authority said the initiative reflects its continued efforts to promote value-added agricultural and processed food exports from the North Eastern Region and expand their footprint in overseas markets.
Bhutan’s geographical proximity offers a strategic advantage for Assam’s dairy industry, making it a natural export destination and an important gateway for increasing the international presence of dairy products from the state.
Going forward, NEDFL plans to expand its export basket by introducing additional Purabi Dairy products with longer shelf life while gradually increasing export volumes in line with market demand.
The initiative is expected to boost the international visibility of dairy products from the North East, generate sustainable export opportunities for the dairy industry and enhance 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 improve the global competitiveness of India’s agricultural and processed food products and create export-led growth opportunities for farmers and agri-enterprises.
Welcoming the development, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the export as a landmark achievement for India’s dairy sector.
In a post on X, Goyal said, “A sweet milestone for India! The export of Purabi Ice Cream by the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited to Bhutan was flagged off by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ji.”
“Facilitated by APEDA, this achievement reflects the growing strength and global competitiveness of India’s dairy sector while opening new avenues for our dairy farmers. The initiative will create new income opportunities, expand access to international markets and strengthen the livelihoods of our dairy farmers across the North Eastern region,” he added.
