News Excerpt:

According to Official data, Litchi cultivation has expanded to 19 Indian states.

Litchi cultivation in India

• Litchi cultivation for commercial production has started in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Manipur, Assam, Punjab, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram. 
• More than 0.1 million hectares of land are under litchi cultivation in India.
• The litchi cultivation expansion plan was based on a scientific study that found suitable soil and climate for the fruit’s cultivation in other states.

National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) 

• The NRCL is the premier national institute for conducting research and developments on litchi and provide leadership at national level. 
• It acts as a national repository of information on litchi production, processing, value addition, and provides consultancy services to end users.
• NRCL technical help for litchi cultivation
  • The ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi was established on 6th June, 2001.
  • The NRCL is preparing thousands of litchi saplings at its nursery each year. 
  • NRCL provides technical help, plants and training to farmers with the sole aim of expanding the fruit's cultivation across India.
  • The center provides saplings of its famous Shahi litchi, besides popular varieties like China, Gandki Lalima, Gandki Sampada and Gandki Yogita, to farmers in other states.
  • NRCL scientists pointed out that litchi is considered to be a very sensitive fruit as far as temperature, rainfall and humidity are concerned.

PYQs 

Q. Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (UPSC 2018)