Guwahati, June 13: Assam achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural export journey as the state’s renowned GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi was exported to Singapore for the first time. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off the international consignment at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI Airport), marking a major step towards taking Assam’s premium agricultural products to global markets.
Sharing the development on social media platform X, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the flagging off of Assam’s famous and delicious GI-tagged litchis to Singapore, highlighting the state’s growing presence in international agricultural trade.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam, the export consignment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in association with the state’s Agriculture Department. Officials described the export as a proud moment for Assam’s farmers and a testament to the increasing recognition of the state’s agricultural produce beyond national boundaries.
State Minister Pijush Hazarika, who attended the flag-off ceremony alongside the Chief Minister, stated that the shipment represents Assam’s first international export consignment of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi to Singapore. He noted that the consignment comprises 500 kilograms of the highly sought-after Piyaji variety of Tezpur Litchi, known for its distinctive flavour, aroma and quality.
The export is expected to create new opportunities for litchi growers in Assam by opening access to lucrative international markets. Agricultural experts believe that global exposure for GI-tagged products can help farmers secure better prices and encourage the expansion of cultivation in the region.
Tezpur Litchi, which enjoys Geographical Indication (GI) status, is one of Assam’s most celebrated horticultural products. The GI tag recognizes the fruit’s unique characteristics linked to the geographical conditions of the Tezpur region and helps protect its identity in domestic and international markets.
Officials said the successful export to Singapore could pave the way for larger shipments in the future and strengthen Assam’s position as an emerging hub for premium agricultural exports. The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts by the state government and APEDA to promote Assam’s indigenous products on the global stage.
The landmark export is being viewed as an important achievement in enhancing farmers’ income, boosting agricultural entrepreneurship and showcasing Assam’s agricultural excellence to international consumers.
