Guwahati : Assam’s dairy sector achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday as Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off the first-ever export consignment of dairy products from the state, with 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream destined for Bhutan.
The export marks a significant step for Assam’s cooperative dairy industry and positions the state as an emerging player in India’s growing dairy export landscape.
The consignment, comprising products from West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd. under the Purabi Dairy brand, will be distributed across key Bhutanese markets, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Wangdue.
Addressing the gathering during the flag-off ceremony, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma described the development as a landmark achievement for Assam’s dairy ecosystem and an important milestone in the state’s efforts to expand its agricultural and food exports.
First Dairy Export from Assam
The brand has expanded considerably over the past four to five years, aided significantly by the World Bank-funded Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), which facilitated the plant’s expansion from 60 to 150 tonnes of liquid per day (TLPD). The ice cream plant itself has a capacity of 60,000 litres per month.
The shipment represents the first instance of dairy products being exported from Assam, underscoring the growing capabilities of the state’s dairy processing sector.
Officials noted that the export is expected to strengthen Purabi Dairy’s brand presence beyond India’s borders while creating new market opportunities for dairy farmers associated with the cooperative network.
The event was attended by:
- Cooperation Minister Kaushik Rai
- A.L. Gyani, IAS, Secretary, Cooperation, Government of Assam
- Officials from APEDA
- Representatives of organizations involved in facilitating the export process
APEDA Facilitates Export
The export initiative was supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
According to officials, APEDA assisted the North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL) in completing documentation, regulatory compliance requirements, and export-related procedures.
Industry experts view the successful shipment as an example of how targeted institutional support can help regional dairy brands access international markets.
Expanding Purabi’s Footprint
Purabi Dairy has emerged as one of northeastern India’s leading dairy brands, supplying a range of products including milk, curd, ghee, paneer, and ice cream across Assam and neighboring states.
The entry into Bhutan is expected to serve as a gateway for future exports to additional international markets in South Asia.
Analysts note that Bhutan’s geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and growing demand for packaged food products make it an attractive export destination for Indian dairy companies.
A Boost for Northeast India’s Dairy Sector
The development comes at a time when India is increasingly focusing on expanding agricultural and dairy exports.
While the country remains the world’s largest milk producer, dairy exports have traditionally been concentrated among a limited number of states and processors. Assam’s entry into the export market signals the growing diversification of India’s dairy industry.
“The export of Purabi Ice Cream is more than a commercial transaction,” said a dairy sector observer. “It demonstrates that regional dairy cooperatives from the Northeast can compete in international markets with the right infrastructure, quality standards, and institutional support.”
Looking Ahead
For Assam’s dairy farmers, the export initiative carries significant implications. Greater access to international markets could translate into increased demand, higher value realization, and expanded opportunities across the dairy value chain.
As Purabi Ice Cream reaches consumers in Bhutan’s major cities, the shipment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Assam’s dairy industry—one that extends beyond state and national borders.
The successful export not only strengthens Purabi Dairy’s ambitions of building a global footprint but also reinforces the potential of India’s northeastern states to emerge as important contributors to the country’s agricultural export growth story.
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