Guwahati: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday flagged off Purabi Dairy‘s first export consignment of ice cream to Bhutan, marking Assam’s entry into the international dairy export market.
The maiden consignment comprises 5,627 litres of Purabi ice cream and will be supplied to major Bhutanese markets, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing and Wangdue.
The export marks the first international shipment of dairy products from Assam and is expected to create new market opportunities for the state’s dairy farmers and cooperative societies.
Purabi ice cream is manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL). The products are made using milk procured from dairy farmers across Assam through Purabi Dairy’s cooperative network.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export by supporting NEDFL in completing the required documentation and regulatory formalities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Sarma said the export reflected the growing strength of Assam’s dairy sector.
“This export marks a proud milestone for Assam and reflects the growing strength of our dairy sector. Purabi ice cream is made from milk produced by farmers across the state, and its entry into the Bhutanese market will create new opportunities for our dairy cooperatives and rural producers. Our government remains committed to supporting value addition, expanding market access and taking more quality products from Assam to national and international markets,” he said.
The first shipment includes cups, family packs, cones and gallon packs, catering to both retail consumers and institutional buyers in Bhutan.
Cooperation Minister and NEDFL Chairman Kaushik Rai said the export highlighted the strength of the Purabi value chain, with every pack in the consignment manufactured using milk produced by dairy farmers in Assam.
“We will now focus on establishing a strong distribution network in Bhutan, understanding consumer demand and gradually expanding the range of Purabi products in international markets. Access to new markets will help create greater and more sustainable opportunities for farmers while strengthening Assam’s presence in the value-added dairy sector,” he said.
APEDA Deputy General Manager Sunita Rai said the authority has been working to promote exports of agricultural and processed food products from the Northeast and facilitate organisations in meeting international trade requirements.
“The export of Purabi ice cream to Bhutan is an important development for Assam, and APEDA is pleased to facilitate NEDFL and Purabi Dairy in completing the required export procedures and formalities,” she said.
Purabi Dairy has expanded significantly over the past few years with support from the World Bank-funded Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), which financed the expansion of its processing capacity from 60 tonnes of liquid milk per day (TLPD) to 150 TLPD. Its ice cream plant, with a production capacity of 60,000 litres per month, forms part of the expanded facility.
NEDFL said Bhutan’s proximity makes it a promising market for Assam’s dairy products. The organisation plans to assess consumer response and distribution requirements before expanding exports to include other Purabi products, particularly those with a longer shelf life.