The news about Tezpur litchi getting the Geographical Indication (GI) tag as a ‘latest’ event has been doing rounds on internet.
The news went viral after Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on Friday tweeted, “Tezpur Litchi of Assam have got the geographical indication (GI) tags, making this item an incontrovertible proof of their origins in the state, and protecting them from production elsewhere.“
However, in reality the product has earned the GI tag back in 2015. The application for the registration was filed in 2013.
The official certification of the product has been attached here.
A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country).
These litchis from Tezpur are known for excellent quality pleasant flavor, juicy pulp with attractive red color. Apart from meeting the local demands, the Tezpur Litche also finds its way to many other markets. A variety of products like juice, squash, etc. are also made from them. Saplings of Tezpur litchi also fetch a good cost in the market.
(Feature image source: World Famous Tezpur Litchi Farmer’s Group)
