Uses

Consumed fresh, canned, or dried.

Origin

Native to southern China; introduced to India via Myanmar and Northeast India in the 18th century.

Ideal Temperature

21°C–35°C

Annual Rainfall Requirement

1500–2000 mm

Winter Requirement

Dry, cool winters needed for flowering

Soil Type

Well-drained deep loamy soil with pH 5.5 to 7

Top Producing State

Bihar – Largest producer (~221.7 thousand MT); famous for Shahi and China cultivars

Other Major States

West Bengal (high productivity ~10.5 MT/ha), Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal

Export Destinations

Doha, Qatar (1 metric tonne); Dubai, UAE (0.5 metric tonnes)

Source Location

Pathankot, Punjab – noted for ideal agro-climatic conditions for litchi

Supplier

Progressive farmer Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur

Facilitators

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and Punjab Horticulture Department

Logistics

Use of refrigerated pallets to ensure fruit freshness during transit

Practice Question:

Q. With reference to recent agricultural exports from India, consider the following statements:

India has recently exported litchis to Qatar and UAE from the state of Bihar.

The exports were facilitated by APEDA and the Punjab Horticulture Department.

Refrigerated pallets were used to maintain the freshness of the fruit during export.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer:

B) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Incorrect: The litchis were exported from Pathankot, Punjab, not Bihar.

Statement 2 – Correct: The export was facilitated by APEDA and the Punjab Horticulture Department.

Statement 3 – Correct: Refrigerated pallets were used to preserve fruit freshness.