Assam has achieved a major milestone in the dairy sector with the first-ever export consignment of Purabi Dairy ice cream to Bhutan, marking the State’s entry into the international dairy market.

More About the News

• The export of 5,627 litres of Purabi Dairy ice cream reflects the growing strength of Assam’s dairy cooperative sector. 
• The initiative is expected to improve farmers’ incomes, expand export opportunities and strengthen the Northeast’s role in India’s agri-food exports.

Key Highlights

• The first export consignment of Purabi Dairy ice cream has been flagged off by the Chief Minister for Bhutan.
• The shipment will be marketed in Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing and Wangdue.
• Purabi Dairy products are manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by the North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL).
• The ice cream is produced using milk procured directly from Assam’s dairy farmers, thereby strengthening the cooperative dairy model and supporting rural livelihoods.
• The export was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
  • APEDA supported regulatory approvals and export documentation.
• Expansion of Purabi Dairy’s production capacity was supported through the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), a World Bank-assisted initiative aimed at improving agricultural value chains and increasing farmers’ incomes.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to Purabi Dairy, consider the following statements:

1. Purabi Dairy products are manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL).
2. The export of Purabi Dairy products to Bhutan was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
3. The expansion of Purabi Dairy’s production capacity was supported under the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
(d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

The export of Purabi Dairy products to Bhutan marks a significant step in integrating Assam’s dairy farmers with international markets while strengthening the State’s cooperative dairy sector and rural economy.