Chandigarh, November 9 — Punjab has overtaken traditional litchi-growing states such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to become one of India’s leading centers of litchi cultivation and export, with production touching 71,490 metric tons during 2023–24, accounting for about 12 percent of the country’s output.
The crop is cultivated across nearly 3,900 hectares in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, and Ropar districts, with Pathankot alone contributing more than half the area. Officials said the growth stems from the state’s crop diversification push aimed at reducing dependence on the wheat-paddy cycle.
Punjab’s litchi exports began in 2024 when 10 quintals were sent to London, fetching prices nearly five times higher than domestic markets. This year, 1.5 metric tons were shipped to Qatar and Dubai, and fresh orders for 600 quintals have been secured. The exports are estimated to generate revenue between ₹3 crore and ₹5 crore.
“The response from overseas markets has been encouraging, and Punjab’s litchi has found a niche in premium segments,” an official from the horticulture department said.
Comparatively, Uttar Pradesh produces around 50,000 metric tons of litchi but exports less than half a ton. Jharkhand, which produces 65,500 metric tons, has struggled with packaging and cold storage gaps, while Punjab has developed air-cargo routes and export-grade facilities.
Assam and Uttarakhand each record modest exports of less than 0.1 metric tons, and Andhra Pradesh has none. Punjab’s access to Europe and Gulf countries, coupled with higher prices, has positioned it ahead of other states. Officials said the government is pursuing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the “Pathankot Litchi,” which could further boost global recognition.
