Assam’s dairy sector has achieved a major milestone with the launch of its first international export consignment of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan. The shipment marks a new chapter in the growth of value-added dairy products from the North Eastern Region (NER), highlighting the potential of the region’s cooperative dairy network to access global markets.
The first consignment comprising 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream was flagged off from Guwahati on July 28, 2026, by Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. The export initiative has been undertaken by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), which will supply Purabi Ice Cream across important Bhutanese markets, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing and Wangdue.
The move is expected to strengthen the position of Assam-produced dairy products in international markets and create new opportunities for farmers, dairy cooperatives and food processing enterprises in the region.
Strengthening Assam’s Dairy Value Chain
Purabi Ice Cream is manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by NEDFL. The product is made using milk sourced through Purabi Dairy’s extensive network of dairy farmers spread across Assam.
The inaugural export shipment includes a variety of products such as ice cream cups, family packs, cones and gallon packs. The diverse product range has been designed to cater to different consumer segments in Bhutan, including individual buyers, retail outlets and institutional customers.
The export marks an important step in transforming locally produced milk into high-value processed products, thereby enhancing income opportunities for dairy farmers associated with Assam’s cooperative milk ecosystem.
APEDA Supports Expansion of Processed Food Exports
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has played a key role in promoting agricultural and processed food exports from the North Eastern Region.
APEDA has been working with exporters, state governments, cooperatives and other stakeholders to help regional products meet international quality standards and gain access to overseas markets. For the Purabi Ice Cream shipment, APEDA facilitated export documentation, regulatory compliance support, market access assistance and coordination among various stakeholders.
The initiative reflects APEDA’s broader efforts to promote value-added products from the North East and integrate regional producers into global supply chains.
Bhutan Offers Strategic Opportunity for Assam’s Dairy Exports
Bhutan’s close geographical proximity to Assam provides a significant advantage for expanding dairy exports from the state. The neighbouring country offers a promising market for Made-in-Assam dairy products and can serve as a gateway for further international expansion.
With rising demand for quality processed food products, Assam’s dairy sector has the potential to diversify its export portfolio and introduce more products with longer shelf life. NEDFL has indicated plans to expand its range of export offerings by including additional Purabi Dairy products and increasing shipment volumes based on market demand.
Boosting Farmers and Regional Economic Growth
The export of Purabi Ice Cream is expected to contribute to the growth of Assam’s dairy industry by encouraging value addition, improving market opportunities and creating sustainable income sources for farmers.
Thousands of dairy farmers connected with Purabi Dairy’s cooperative network are likely to benefit from the expansion of markets for processed dairy products. The initiative also demonstrates how cooperative models can support rural livelihoods while enabling locally produced goods to compete in international markets.
The North Eastern Region has significant potential in agriculture, food processing and allied sectors. Initiatives that promote exports of regional products can help strengthen local enterprises, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to economic development.
APEDA continues to collaborate with farmer organisations, cooperatives, exporters and government agencies to enhance the global competitiveness of India’s agricultural and processed food products. The successful export of Purabi Ice Cream represents another step towards building stronger export linkages for India’s regional food industries and creating new opportunities for farmers and agri-businesses.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
