The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the first export consignment of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi from Assam to Dubai on 7 June 2026, marking a significant milestone in expanding international market access for agricultural products from the North Eastern Region.
The one-metric-tonne consignment comprised GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi is one of Assam’s most celebrated horticultural products, renowned for its exceptional sweetness, bright-red appearance, distinctive aroma and superior eating quality. The region cultivates several notable varieties, including Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji and Sahi, which are widely appreciated for their distinctive flavour and quality characteristics.
The maiden export to Dubai represents a major achievement for local farmers, producer groups, and exporters, opening new opportunities for access to high-value international markets. The initiative reflects APEDA’s continued efforts to promote India’s GI-tagged agricultural products globally and strengthen the country’s agri-export ecosystem.
By facilitating the export process, APEDA worked closely with stakeholders to ensure compliance with international quality standards, packaging requirements, and logistics protocols. The successful shipment demonstrates the growing demand for premium Indian fruits in global markets and highlights the export potential of agricultural produce from the North East.
The export is expected to benefit litchi growers in Assam by providing access to better price realization and diversified market opportunities. Increased exports can help enhance farmers’ incomes, encourage the adoption of improved cultivation practices, and support the long-term growth of the horticulture sector in the region.
The initiative is also aligned with the Government of India’s vision of promoting agricultural exports, supporting farmer welfare, and showcasing India’s rich diversity of GI-tagged products on the global stage. It complements efforts under the “One District One Product” approach and other export promotion strategies aimed at integrating farmers with international value chains.
The successful export of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi to Dubai is expected to pave the way for further shipments to overseas destinations and strengthen Assam’s position as a source of high-quality horticultural produce. It also underscores APEDA’s commitment to expanding market access for Indian agricultural products and enhancing the global footprint of the country’s unique regional specialties.
