Why is it in the News?

Litchi which is synonymous with India's hot summers, is now under cultivation in 19 Indian states, extending beyond its traditional confinement to Muzaffarpur in Bihar.

About Litchi Cultivation:

• Litchi, a delicious and succulent fruit of superior quality, belongs to the Sapindaceae family from a botanical perspective.
• Its translucent and flavorful aril, or edible flesh, is widely enjoyed as a table fruit in India.
• Agro-climatic Requirements: Litchi is a sub-tropical fruit that thrives optimally in moist sub-tropical climates.
  • Ideally cultivated at low elevations, it can be grown up to an altitude of 800 meters.
  • The crop flourishes in deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 5.0 to 7.0.
• Temperature: The crop's temperature tolerance ranges from avoiding extremes, not exceeding 40.5 degrees Celsius in summer and staying above freezing point in winter.
• Rainfall: Prolonged rainfall, especially during flowering, can be detrimental as it interferes with pollination.
  • Young trees necessitate protection from frost and hot winds until firmly established, although some temperature variation is necessary for proper fruiting.
  • Frost during winter and intense summer heat are limiting factors for successful cultivation.
• Traditionally, commercial cultivation in India was confined to the northern foothills of the Himalayas from Tripura to Jammu & Kashmir, and the plains of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• However, due to increasing demand and the crop's viability, commercial cultivation has expanded to various states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, etc.
• India ranks second in the world in production of Litchi production after China.
  • Other significant producers include Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, and the US.
• Statewise, Bihar tops in Litchi production followed by West Bengal (12 % of the total) and Jharkhand (10 %).

About National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL):

• The National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) serves as the leading national institute dedicated to research and development in the field of litchi.
• It plays a pivotal role in providing national leadership, serving as a repository for comprehensive information on litchi production, processing, value addition, and extending consultancy services to end-users.