Rose-Scented Litchi

Rose-Scented Litchi: Recently, in a landmark development for India’s horticulture export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, flagged off the first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab to Doha, Qatar.

• About Rose-Scented Litchi : This is a distinct cultivar of regular litchi, not a separate species, known for its natural rose-like fragrance.

o Scientific Name: Litchi chinensis(common to both varieties) and belongs to Sapindaceae family.

o Juicy, translucent aril valued for its sweetness and rich nutrient profile

o Origin: Native to southern China; introduced to India via Myanmar in the 18th century

o Rich in Vitamin C, B1, Riboflavin, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

• Ideal Agro-Climatic Conditions: Temperature: Thrives between 21°C and 35°CRainfall: Requires 1500–2000 mm annually, with dry, cool winters for optimal flowering

o Soil: Prefers deep, well-drained loamy soil (pH 5.5–7) rich in organic content

o Leading Producing States in India: Bihar (Largest) West Bengal, Punjab (Prominent for rose-scented litchi), Jharkhand, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh

• Global Production Landscape: India ranks as the second-largest producer of litchi globally, after China. Other key producers include Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States.