Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Assam has officially entered the international market with its first export of GI-tagged Tezpur litchi. The initial shipments were sent to Dubai and Singapore, marking a significant development for the region's agricultural sector. This initiative, supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, aims to secure better financial returns for local growers while introducing the fruit to a global audience.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal praised the expansion, noting that the move creates new opportunities for produce from Northeast India. He stated, “This step will give the region's litchi global recognition, provide farmers with better prices and create new opportunities for agricultural products from Northeast India.”
The export milestone coincides with the centennial of litchi cultivation in Tezpur, which began in 1923 under Padmanath Gohain Baruah. A recent two-day festival organized by the Sonitpur district administration celebrated this history, featuring various local varieties including the popular Bombaiya, Chahi, and Elaichi litchis. During the event, officials flagged off one tonne of fruit destined for Dubai and 600 kilograms for Singapore.
Tezpur litchi remains highly valued for its pulp quality and distinct flavor. Currently, more than 150 farmers manage over 400 bighas of orchards. The local demand remains strong as well, with the Bombay variety recently fetching between Rs 40 and Rs 50 per fruit and festival organizers reporting single-day sales exceeding Rs 4 lakh.
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