GUWAHATI: Purabi Dairy has dispatched its first export consignment to neighbouring Bhutan, marking the first export of dairy products from Assam.
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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off the 5,627-litre consignment from Dispur. The shipment will make Purabi ice cream available in markets across Bhutan, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Wangdue.
Produced by the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), Purabi ice cream is made using milk procured from dairy farmers across Assam through the cooperative's extensive network.
The first export consignment comprises a range of Purabi ice cream products, including cups, family packs, cones, and gallon packs. The assortment has been selected to cater to both retail consumers and institutional buyers in the Bhutanese market.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "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."
Sunita Rai, Deputy General Manager of APEDA, said they have been working to promote exports of agricultural and processed food products from Northeast India and to help organisations in the region meet 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 in recent years, with a major boost from the World Bank-funded APART project. Under the project, the dairy processing plant's capacity was expanded from 60 TLPD to 150 TLPD. The expanded facility also houses the Purabi ice cream plant, which has a production capacity of 60,000 LPM.
NEDFL said it plans to explore exports of additional Purabi Dairy products in the future, particularly products with a longer shelf life.