Modi praises Tezpur Litchi after receiving it as gift from Assam CM

Tezpur Litchi praised by PM Modi after receiving it as gift from Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for his gift of Tezpur litchi. In a letter, appreciating the warm gesture shown by Sarma, PM Modi praised the GI tagged litchi for its taste and quality.

In his letter, he glorified India for being "blessed with nature’s wealth”. Further, he appreciated Tezpur litchi for creating a niche for itself in the international market.

These litchi has been given the Geographical Indication tag by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in 2020. The application for GI tagging was made in 2013 by North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation ( NERAMAC). Known for its excellent quality, pleasant flavour, juicy pulp with attractive colour, the GI tag has made it an incontrovertible proof of their origin in the state, and protecting them from production elsewhere.

Stressing on “Vocal for local” he stated that the Tezpur Litchi shall appeal to the people of the world in near future. He further asserted that “vocal for local should become mantra for every Indian”. The idea is to promote local industries and consume local wherever possible. It is important so that the long term effects of an increase in demand can be used to develop domestic industries and thus, make them self-reliant.

CM Sarma, on his part, said the appreciation letter would encourage local litchi farmers to work harder.

Taking to Twitter he wrote, “Adarniya (respected) PM Shri @narendramodi ji has kindly sent his gracious good wishes for the GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi, and praised its taste. I am certain world over people will savor it as well. We’re inspired by Hon PM’s call for Atmanirbhar Bharat for world-class local products ."

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