US finally open for Indian lychees but hurdles remain

Lack of infra, such as fumigation and testing laboratories, a major hurdle

After seven years of attempts by Indian authorities, America has finally opened its market for Indian lychees. Indian exporters, however, point to a lack of infrastructure, such as fumigation and testing laboratories, as major impediments.

As the season has just ended, the first consignment of lychee could be exported to the US in the coming March-April.

“The US has allowed market access for lychee after sulphite and cool treatment. Detectable levels of sulphite at or above 10 ppm (parts per million) may be indicated on the food label for Indian exports,” said A S Rawat, Director at the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda).

Apeda is urging exporters to take advantage of the US opening. We currently export a small quantity regularly to West Asia. Shipments also go occasionally to Europe. Apeda is planning to market lychee by stressing its health benefits -- dietary fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, cooling the body to beat summer heat

After 18 years of a ban, the US authorities opened its market for Indian mangoes in 2007. A strict Apeda clearance is needed.

“Maintaining the quality of lychee for export is not easy, due to the lack of infrastructure. Farmers need to pluck the fruit carefully, along with a long stem and some leaves, soon after ripening. Lychee requires careful post- harvest handing and management, including immediate fumigation and transportation, which a common farmer and trader cannot do,” said Mohammad Siddique, proprietor of Muzaffarpur (Bihar)–based Star Enterprises, one of the largest lychee traders. Bihar produces half of India's lychees and Muzaffarpur is the largest producing centre for it in the state.

Added Siddique, “There is only one fumigation machine, at the Lychee Research Centre in Muzaffarpur, incapable of handling a large quantity. It is only meant for sample testing and fumigation. The government should install more machines at the Centre.”

Fumigation enhances shelf life of the highly perishable lychee, while retaining the natural colour. Even in normal temperature, the quality of lychee starts deteriorating after a maximum of two days of harvesting. Through fumigation, shelf life can be enhanced up to at least 30 days.

Rohit Kumar, sales manager at Ranchi-based Helix Exports, said opening of the US market would help Indian exporters realise a much higher price than in the domestic market.

Total production of lychee was 594,340 tonnes in crop year 2013-14 (July–June), as against 580,300 tonnes the previous year, showed data compiled by the National Horticulture Board. The plantings bear fruit for a little over 15 years.