GUWAHATI:
A consignment of Geographical Indications (GI) tagged Tezpur litchis are set to be exported to London, an initiative that could boost litchi export from Assam to western countries.
The export of Tezpur litchi was formally launched by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a programme at Tezpur Convention Centre on June 11.
“Delighted to launch the export of Tezpur Litchi, which has been given geographical indication (GI) tag for its excellent quality & pleasant flavor, to London. The export of litchis will help in uplifting the economic condition of small & marginal farmers in the district,” Sarma said in a tweet.
The litchis will be exported by Agnigarh Farmer Producer Company through Kiega Exims at Tezpur Convention Centre in Sonitpur district.
Kiega Exims is a joint collaboration of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), state agriculture department and NABARD supported by APEDA, APART, BNCA, AAU and Tezpur University.
Tezpur litchi received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015 for its excellent quality, pleasant flavour, juicy pulp with attractive colour and it is a broad term which covers 5 varieties of litchi grown in and around Tezpur.
With the support of the agriculture department and Assam Agricultural University (AAU) promoted Agnigarh Producer Company Ltd NABARD collectivising various small, marginal litchi farmers in and around Tezpur to bring maximum benefit to the farmers by leveraging the GI tag accorded to Tezpur litchi.
Sonitpur district administration has already prepared a blueprint to help these litchi farmers to expand their cultivation area by an additional 200 bighas of land.