Tezpur litchi Festival 2026 spotlights GI-tagged fruit exports to Dubai and Singapore

The two-day Tezpur Litchi Festival 2026 began on Saturday. The event spotlighted the GI-tagged Tezpur litchi and its wider export reach. Farmers, exporters, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers joined to discuss market growth. Organisers also showcased how the fruit remained central to Tezpur’s agricultural identity and local economy.

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Sonitpur District Commissioner Anand Kumar Das announced new export plans during the opening day. Das said one tonne of Tezpur litchi was set aside for Dubai. Das added that 500 kilograms would go to Singapore. Das also said 100 premium boxes would be sent to the Prime Ministers Office.

Tezpur litchi festival 2026 expands export plans

The festival ran across several venues in Tezpur. These included the District Library Auditorium and the adjoining library campus. Anand Chandra Agarwala Park also hosted programmes. The inaugural session drew elected representatives, agricultural experts, exporters, and growers. Organisers framed the festival as a platform for trade links and crop planning.

Proceedings opened with a tribute to Padmanath Gohain Barua. Organisers noted that Barua had pioneered improved litchi cultivation in the region. The tribute linked the fruit’s current status to earlier farming advances. It also placed the GI-tagged crop within Assam’s wider cultural and agricultural history.

Tezpur litchi festival 2026 showcases processing and products

Entrepreneur Biswajit Saikia presented litchi-based innovations to visitors and participants. Saikia displayed dehydrated litchi and said it could last nearly six months. Saikia also shared plans for honey and other value-added goods tied to litchi farms. The presentation underlined rising interest in agro-processing around the crop.

A technical seminar on food technology and litchi processing followed. Experts and entrepreneurs discussed value addition, branding, and market expansion. Organisers also arranged exhibitions, documentary screenings, product displays, and sales counters. The festival highlighted items such as litchi chips. Ten progressive farmers received honours for improving output and quality.

Tezpur litchi festival 2026 marks heritage and outreach

A commemorative publication traced Tezpur litchi from early history to future prospects. The Department of Posts unveiled a special postal cover for the fruit. As part of an awareness drive, the Indian Army gave litchi saplings to NCC cadets. Organisers said the activity encouraged youth interest in horticulture and environmental care.

Stakeholders said the combined efforts could support trade and local enterprise. They linked new exports and processing ideas with better income prospects for growers. Organisers also pointed to branding work around the GI tag. The festival continued across venues, with participants reviewing how Tezpur litchi could build presence in global markets.

With inputs from PTI