Uttaranchal in talks with companies on litchi tie-ups

The export production of litchi may have doubled during the season ending July this year, but could not achieve the desired target of 100 tonnes due to heavy rains and insect infestation, according to officials.

Despite the litchi exports zooming to 67.5 tonnes this season, compared to 34 tonnes last year, the Uttaranchal government is trying its best to boost the export of litchi in future as well as achieve the desired target.

For this purpose, the Agri Export Development Unit (AIDU) is holding talks with companies like Dabur, Naambdhari, FieldFresh, and Reliance for tie-ups.

"Representatives of companies like Dabur and Reliance have showed interest in Uttaranchal litchi. The response was positive, which can serve as a basis for future tie-ups," said N C Nainwal, co-ordinator of the AIDU.

The State Bank of India (SBI), India's largest bank, launched the Litchi Credit Card to support the orchard owners and to maintain the quality of the fruit.

Nearly 67.5 tonnes of litchi could be exported to various countries like New Zealand, Britain and the United Arab Emirates. Of this, B G Agri Exports of Uttaranchal exported 45 tonnes of fresh litchi to these countries while Doon Exotics exported 15 tonnes of processed lithci.

The regular visits of national and international experts for monitoring litchi orchards will continue next year also. "We invited French experts during the last season. More such experts will come next year," Nainwal said.

Experts are also worried that litchi in Uttaranchal was not price-competitive in global and domestic markets.

The good quality litchi from Bihar was available at cheaper rates in the market. Litchi from Thailand and China were also much cheaper. "We have to devise a proper strategy on price-competitive factor," Nainwal said.