Guwahati: Assam has set its sights on the global market by emphasizing the cultivation of local agricultural products such as Tezpur litchi, and Karbi Anglong ginger, Atul Bora, the Agriculture Minister of Assam, underscored the state government's unwavering commitment to promoting these products in international markets.

In a significant move toward achieving this goal, a sprawling 200-bigha agricultural area in Poruwa, Assam, has been dedicated to the cultivation of "Tezpur litchi." The inauguration of this vast litchi cultivation area was presided over by Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, to bolster local agricultural products and boost global trade.

Minister Bora stated that these local products possess immense potential to make a substantial impact not only in domestic markets but also on the international stage. 

Tezpur litchi, a subtropical fruit renowned for its attractive red color, juicy pulp, and exquisite flavor, predominantly found in Assam is expected to gain widespread recognition in international markets due to the expanded cultivation area allocated to its production.

While litchi is cultivated throughout Assam's districts, Sonitpur district, with Tezpur as its administrative headquarters, is particularly famous for its unique variety known as 'Tezpur Litchi.' In 2015, this litchi variety was granted geographical indication (GI) status by the Geographical Indications Registry. It encompasses various distinct varieties, including 'Bilaitee,' 'Bombaiya,' 'Elaichi,' and 'Rangiya.'

Tezpur litchi stands out with its distinctive brick-red appearance, large and round shape (larger than a strawberry but smaller than an apple), exceptionally sweet flavor, and compact, fragrant flesh, with a tiny seed.

Last year, in the month of June, to uplift the economic condition of small and marginal farmers in the Sonitpur district the Agnigarh Farmer Producer Company exported a consignment of litchi to London via Kiegga.

Minister Bora commended the dedication and efforts of the Agnigarh Farmer Production Company, particularly those engaged in litchi cultivation.

Assam's litchi production figures have been on the rise, with 60.576 tonnes generated in the last fiscal year, surpassing even Bihar, the highest litchi-producing state in India. According to the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, India, as per the National Horticulture Board (2021) data, annually produces an average of 726 thousand tonnes of litchis from an area of 97 thousand hectares, making it the second-largest producer of litchi in the world, trailing only China.

Minister Bora emphasized a broader agricultural development plan for Assam, encompassing the utilization of approximately 6 lakh hectares of agricultural land for various crops. This plan includes significant initiatives such as oil palm cultivation in 2 lakh hectares, mustard cultivation in 4 lakh hectares, gram and pea cultivation in 1.68 hectares, millet in 14,000 hectares, potato in 25,000 hectares, and maize in 1.1 hectares as well as emphasis on agricultural products like rice varieties like buka saul, sokua saul, and joha rice, along with lemon.

These efforts are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving self-sufficiency in the state's agricultural sector.

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