Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Union ministry of commerce and industry, confirmed that Tezpur Litchi of Assam has received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. Tezpur Litchi was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag certification on 27th March 2015. The GI Tag to Tezpur Litchi made it an incontrovertible proof of their origin in Assam. The GI tag prevents the production of Tezpur Litchi from other places.
The Tezpur Litchi has got the GI tag under Horticulture Products(Fruits) – Litchi in the class 31. This registration is valid up to 28th August 2023.
- The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERMAC) applied for the GI tag of Tezpur Litchi on 29th August 2013.
Tezpur Litchi:
Origin– Tezpur Litchi is a subtropical evergreen fruit produced in Tezpur, Assam.
Scientific Name- Litchi Chinensis
Significance– the Tezpur litchi is a source of Vitamin C, which is known for its pleasant flavour, juicy pulp and its attractive appearance.
Nutritional value– it contains a 0.8 to 0.9% protein, 0.3% of Fat, 0.49% of pectin and 0.9% of minerals like Calcium, Phosphorus and iron.
Features- around 60% of the fruit is juice with 8% rag, 19% seed and 13% skin (these varies with variety and climate).
About Assam:
Zoological parks– Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden
Tiger Reserve– Manas Tiger Reserve, Nameri Tiger Reserve, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve
Products of Assam that received GI tag earlier-Muga Silk of Assam,Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger, Joha Rice of Assam.