Litcheeseed
Nans Products is a premier manufacturer and exporter of high-quality litcheeseed products in India. The lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn) is a significant sub-tropical evergreen fruit crop, originally from Southern Guangdong, China. Its cultivation is highly specific to climatic requirements, limiting its growth to a few countries worldwide.
Introduced in India in the 18th century through Burma, lychee has spread to many regions, with India and China together accounting for 91% of global production. In India, 428,900 metric tonnes of lychee are produced annually from 56,200 hectares. The cultivation is primarily confined to India, which contributes 74% of the production. Here, lychee farming is a livelihood for millions, providing both on-farm and off-farm employment, especially for small and marginal farmers.
The lychee tree is a handsome, dense, round-topped, and slow-growing evergreen with 6-9 elliptic oblong and lanceolate leaves. The fruit, with its distinctive flavor, varies in color from red to rose or pinkish. Some cultivars have partially developed seeds, known as chicken-tongue seeds, which are prized for their greater pulp content.
Given the importance of lychee in the region, significant efforts are made to support its production, post-harvest management, and marketing. Despite a growing domestic market, lychee is identified as an essential crop for export. Indian lychee exports remain small, typically packed in 2 kg cartons for export and 10 kg wooden cages or 15-18 kg baskets for domestic markets.
Cultivation across different states allows for early and extended harvests, increasing the availability period from the first week of May to the first week of July. This extended cultivation period, combined with improved production technology and efficient post-harvest management, presents significant potential for increasing area and production.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the primary regions for lychee cultivation in India?
Lychee cultivation is primarily concentrated in India, which accounts for 74% of the production in India. Other states also cultivate lychee but to a lesser extent.
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What is the significance of lychee in India?
In India, lychee cultivation is a major source of livelihood for millions, providing both on-farm and off-farm employment. Small and marginal farmers benefit from additional income through lychee cultivation.
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What are the characteristics of the lychee tree and fruit?
The lychee tree is a dense, round-topped evergreen with 6-9 elliptic oblong leaves. The fruit is round or heart-shaped with a thin, leathery skin that varies in color. The edible portion is the aril, which has a distinctive flavor. Some cultivars have partially developed seeds known as chicken-tongue seeds.
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How is lychee typically marketed and exported in India?
For export and distant domestic markets, lychee is packed in 2 kg cartons after pre-cooling and sulphuring. Domestic markets usually receive lychee in 10 kg wooden cages or 15-18 kg baskets.
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What are the benefits of growing lychee in different states under various climatic conditions?
Growing lychee in different states allows for early and extended harvests, increasing the availability period from May to July. This helps in meeting market demands and extending the cropping period.
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What are the future prospects for lychee cultivation and export in India?
With an expanding market, there is significant potential for increasing lychee cultivation and production through improved technology, efficient post-harvest management, and storage. Addressing current constraints can further enhance the prospects for lychee export.