Assam’s renowned Tezpur litchi, known for its sweetness and aroma, has ventured into global markets with its first export to Dubai. The litchi, cultivated mainly in the Tezpur region of Sonitpur district, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014, recognizing its unique qualities tied to the local agro-climatic conditions.
The GI recognition has boosted the identity and market appeal of Tezpur litchi, a fruit that holds a special place in the local economy, especially around Tezpur. With its vibrant red color, high pulp content, and rich taste, Tezpur litchi is esteemed as one of India’s top litchi varieties.
Experts in agriculture and horticulture anticipate that tapping into international markets will not only benefit growers by increasing demand but also lead to better post-harvest practices, packaging, and quality standards, ultimately elevating farmers’ incomes.
The export of Tezpur litchi is being facilitated with the assistance of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which aims to promote agricultural exports from the Northeast and link local producers with global markets. This move aligns with broader initiatives to enhance the global visibility of agricultural products from the region and integrate farmers into international value chains.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has lauded the export of Tezpur litchi, emphasizing its significance in spreading the sweetness of Assam’s GI-tagged litchi in foreign markets. Goyal highlighted that this milestone, supported by APEDA, will not only bring global recognition to the region’s litchi but also ensure better returns for farmers and open up new avenues for Northeast India’s agricultural products in international markets.
