Assam’s GI-Tagged Tezpur Litchi Reaches Dubai in a Major Boost for North East Agri Exports

Assam’s famous Tezpur Litchi has entered a new chapter in its export journey, with the first consignment of the GI-tagged fruit being sent to Dubai. The shipment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, better known as APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The export marks an important milestone for Assam’s horticulture sector and strengthens the international visibility of agricultural products from India’s North Eastern Region.

The first shipment, dispatched on 7 June 2026, consisted of one metric tonne of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi. The fruit is widely known for its bright red appearance, rich sweetness, pleasant aroma and superior eating quality. Tezpur’s litchi-growing belt produces several well-known varieties such as Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji and Sahi, each valued for its distinct flavour and quality.

The Geographical Indication tag has given Tezpur Litchi a stronger identity in the marketplace. GI recognition helps connect a product with its place of origin, traditional cultivation reputation and unique quality characteristics. For Assam, this export to Dubai is more than a fruit shipment. It is a signal that region-specific agricultural products from the North East can reach premium international markets when branding, certification, logistics and market linkages come together.

The initiative also brings direct benefits to farmers. According to the PIB release, growers linked to the export supply chain received nearly 10 percent higher prices compared to prevailing domestic market rates, even though local demand remained strong. This makes the export important from a livelihood perspective. When farmers receive better prices through global value chains, horticulture becomes more attractive, organised and income-supportive.

The ceremonial flag-off was attended by Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava, Assam Agriculture Production Commissioner Aruna Rajoria, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, Sonitpur District Commissioner Ananda Kumar Das, representatives of DMR Green Valley Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd., farmers, exporters and government officials. Their participation shows how successful agricultural exports depend on coordination between farmers, state authorities, exporters and national export-promotion agencies.

APEDA has been working to promote agricultural exports from the North East through infrastructure support, quality assurance, certification assistance, capacity building, export-oriented production practices and market linkage programmes. Its role is especially important for products that have strong local identity but need organised channels to reach overseas buyers. Tezpur Litchi’s Dubai shipment shows how such support can convert regional produce into global opportunity.

The export also fits into India’s larger strategy of promoting GI-tagged and high-value agricultural products in international markets. The North East is rich in distinctive fruits, spices, organic products and traditional crops. Many of these products have strong export potential, provided there is consistent quality control, cold-chain support, packaging, certification and buyer access. Tezpur Litchi’s entry into Dubai can encourage larger export volumes in the coming seasons and open doors for other Assam and North East products.

This first shipment is therefore both symbolic and practical. It gives Assam’s farmers a new market, gives Tezpur Litchi a global platform, and gives India another example of how local agricultural heritage can become an export-strength product. With APEDA’s support and growing international interest in GI-tagged Indian produce, Tezpur Litchi now has the chance to move from a celebrated regional fruit to a recognised global delicacy.