India has achieved a significant milestone by exporting its first consignment of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Tezpur litchi from Assam to Dubai, according to the commerce ministry. This development marks a crucial step in expanding overseas markets for agricultural products from the Northeast region.
Consignment Details and Facilitation
The one-metric-tonne consignment was exported on June 7 and facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The fruit is renowned for its exceptional sweetness, bright-red colour, distinctive aroma, and superior eating quality. The commerce ministry highlighted that this export represents a forward step in promoting premium agricultural products from the North Eastern Region in international markets.
Tezpur's Litchi Varieties and GI Status
Tezpur is famous for cultivating several litchi varieties, including Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji, and Sahi. The Geographical Indication (GI) status has strengthened the identity and market recognition of Tezpur Litchi, enhancing its appeal among international buyers and creating new opportunities for premium agricultural exports from Assam, the ministry stated.
Economic Benefits for Farmers
According to APEDA, farmers linked to the export supply chain received nearly 10 per cent higher prices than prevailing domestic market rates, despite strong local demand. The shipment has created new marketing opportunities for litchi growers and is expected to encourage greater participation in export-oriented value chains, contributing to enhanced incomes and sustainable livelihood opportunities, APEDA added.
The consignment was flagged off in the presence of Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava, Assam agriculture production commissioner Aruna Rajoria, APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev, Sonitpur district commissioner Ananda Kumar Das, and representatives of DMR Green Valley Agro Fresh Pvt Ltd.
Tezpur Litchi Festival and Exports
The export coincides with Tezpur marking 100 years of litchi cultivation during the recently concluded Tezpur Litchi Festival 2026. During the festival, around one tonne of litchis was exported to Dubai, while an additional 600 kg was shipped to Singapore. Officials noted that these exports highlight the growing domestic and international recognition of the fruit for its taste, rich flesh, and colour.
Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the development, stating on social media that the export would help secure better prices for farmers and create new opportunities for agricultural products from Northeast India.
Century-Old Cultivation Legacy
Tezpur’s litchi cultivation dates back to 1923, when noted litterateur and former Tezpur Municipality chairman Padmanath Gohain Baruah established litchi orchards in the town. Today, more than 150 farmers cultivate litchis across over 400 bighas of land in the region, according to the Agnigarh Agricultural Producers Group, as reported by news agency ANI. The festival showcased several varieties, including Chahi, Bilati, Bombaiya, Piyaji, Chinese, Rongiya, Kath Bombaiwa, and Elaichi litchis.
APEDA expressed confidence that the successful shipment to Dubai will pave the way for larger export volumes in the future and strengthen the global presence of Assam’s GI-tagged agricultural products.
