Assam’s GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi has reached Dubai in its first export consignment, marking a new overseas market opening for one of the state’s well-known horticultural products.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the shipment on Saturday, 7 June, the ministry said in a statement on Monday, 9 June.
The one-metric-tonne consignment was sent from Assam to Dubai as part of efforts to expand international market access for agricultural products from the North Eastern Region.
Tezpur Litchi is known for its sweetness, bright-red appearance, distinctive aroma and eating quality.
The region grows several varieties, including Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji and Sahi.
The ministry said the Geographical Indication tag has strengthened the identity and market recognition of Tezpur Litchi, improving its appeal among international buyers and creating new opportunities for premium agricultural exports from Assam.
The consignment was ceremonially 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.
Farmers, exporters, Assam government officials, senior APEDA officials and other stakeholders also attended the event.
The ministry said growers associated with the export supply chain received nearly 10 per cent higher prices compared to prevailing domestic market rates despite strong local demand.
The shipment is expected to create new marketing opportunities for litchi growers and encourage greater participation in export-oriented value chains.
APEDA has been promoting agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region through infrastructure development, quality assurance and certification support, capacity-building programmes, export-oriented production practices and market linkage initiatives.
The ministry said APEDA continues to work with state governments, Farmer Producer Organisations, exporters and other stakeholders to connect farmers with global value chains and create new export opportunities for region-specific agricultural products.
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