Status of Litchi Cultivation in India

Abstract

Litchi is a popular subtropical fruit crop in India. It is the most delicious, juicy and nutritious fruit and mostly grown in Eastern India. Litchi cultivation is a source of livelihood security for a large population in litchi growing states as it provides both on-farm and off-farm employment. The world scenario of litchi cultivation reveals that India is the second-largest producer of litchi after China with a total acreage over 93,300 ha and a yearly output of over 568,200 t in 2016-17. However, with a productivity level of just 6.1 t ha-1 , India lags behind several other litchi exporting countries. Litchi has particular climate and soil requirements, thus limiting its cultivation to a few states. Bihar is the leading litchi producing state followed by West Bengal, Jharkhand Assam and Chhattisgarh. Litchi varieties cultivated in India are highly diverse due to different climate and soil conditions. Major varieties are Shahi, China, Elaichi, Rose Scented, Bedana and Bombai. Litchi cultivation provides food, nutrition, employment opportunity, generate income, improve the socio-economic condition and poverty alleviation in rural areas of the different states of India. This paper discusses trends of litchi cultivation in major litchi growing states, commercially grown cultivars, their marketing and export potential in India.