Content:
- India Flags Off First Consignment of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar
- Scientists uncovers an exciting use of Teak leaf which offers a natural, biodegradable laser shield towards protecting delicate optical devices and human eyes from high-power laser radiation
India Flags Off First Consignment of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar
Strategic Export Milestone
- First-ever consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab to Qatar and UAE (Dubai) flagged off.
- Boosts India’s presence in high-value, fresh fruit export markets of the Middle East.
Relevance : GS 3(Economy , Agriculture, Export)
Institutional Collaboration & Support
- Facilitated by APEDA (under Ministry of Commerce & Industry) in collaboration with:
- Department of Horticulture, Punjab
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Lulu Group and local progressive farmers .
Horticultural Potential of Punjab
- Punjab contributed 12.39% of India’s litchi production in FY 2023–24.
- Pathankot’s favorable agro-climatic conditions make it an emerging export-oriented hub.
- National yield: 71,490 MT from 4,327 ha (avg. 16.5 MT/ha).
Export & Economic Impact
- Twin exports: 1 MT to Qatar and 0.5 MT to UAE mark diversification of India’s fruit basket.
- FY 2024–25 (Apr–Mar): Fruit & veg exports stood at USD 3.87 billion, up 5.67% YoY.
- Litchi joins mango, banana, grape, orange as global exports, along with niche fruits like cherry, jamun.
Farmer Empowerment & Policy Implications
- Enables market access and income boost for farmers via high-value global chains.
- Aligned with India’s agri-export policy and vision of turning farmers into export entrepreneurs.
- APEDA playing a pivotal role in linking FPOs, FPCs, and individual growers to international markets.
Litchi:
- Type: Perennial, subtropical fruit crop from the Sapindaceae family.
- Botanical Name: Litchi chinensis
- Origin: Native to South China, but widely cultivated in India, especially in Bihar, West Bengal, UP, Punjab.
Agro-Climatic Requirements
- Climate: Requires warm, humid climate with short dry winters.
- Temperature: Ideal range: 20–35°C; Sensitive to frost and extreme cold.
- Rainfall: Annual rainfall of 1000–2000 mm, but excessive rain during flowering harms fruiting.
Soil Conditions
- Soil Type: Grows best in deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter.
- pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).
- Avoid: Saline, alkaline, and waterlogged soils.
Crop Cycle
- Planting Time: July–August or February–March (depending on region).
- Fruit Bearing: Starts from 4th–5th year, with economic yield after 8–10 years.
- Harvest Season: May to July (varies by region).
Economic Importance
- High market demand for fresh consumption and processing (juices, pulps, canned fruit).
- India is 2nd largest producer globally after China.
Pros of Litchi
- Nutrient-Rich: Excellent source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, flavonoids, and potassium.
- Boosts Immunity: High antioxidant content helps fight free radicals and infections.
- Hydrating Fruit: High water content makes it ideal for summer consumption.
- Export Potential: High demand in Gulf & Southeast Asian markets due to aroma, taste, and shelf life.
- Agro-Climatic Advantage: Grows well in regions like Bihar, Punjab, West Bengal, and Tripura.
Cons of Litchi
- Highly Perishable: Short shelf life; requires cold-chain logistics for exports.
- Seasonal Availability: Limited to a short harvesting window (May–June).
- Potential Health Risk: Unripe litchis linked to acute encephalitis (Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain) cases in malnourished children (due to hypoglycin A).
- Price Volatility: Farmers often face fluctuating returns due to lack of processing infrastructure.
Scientists uncovers an exciting use of Teak leaf which offers a natural, biodegradable laser shield towards protecting delicate optical devices and human eyes from high-power laser radiation
Innovative Use of Natural Waste
- Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI) discovered teak leaf extract as a natural laser shield.
- Utilizes agricultural waste rich in anthocyanins—natural pigments with nonlinear optical (NLO) properties.
Relevance : GS 3(Science , Technology ,Environment)
Scientific Breakthrough
- Nonlinear optics observed: Teak dye shows Reverse Saturable Absorption (RSA) — absorbs more light as intensity increases.
- Techniques used: Z-scan and Spatial Self-Phase Modulation (SSPM) experiments confirmed suitability for optical power limiting.
Applications in Laser Safety
- Can protect human eyes, sensors, and delicate optical devices from high-power laser radiation.
- Relevant for medical equipment, military lasers, and industrial applications.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Alternative
- Replaces synthetic optical limiters (graphene, fullerenes, metal nanoparticles) which are toxic and costly.
- Teak dye is biodegradable, compostable, low-cost, and environmentally safe.
Potential for Commercial Use
- Could lead to eco-friendly products like:
- Laser safety goggles
- Sensor shields
- Coatings for optical equipment
- Promotes green photonic technologies in the long term.
Women-Led Innovation
- Research led by Dr. Beryl C, DST Women Scientist, promoting both scientific innovation and gender representation in STEM.
Teak: Tree Profile
- Type: Hardwood deciduous tree, primarily grown for timber.
- Botanical Name: Tectona grandis
- Family: Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae)
- Native to: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos
- Commercial Use: Known for durable, termite-resistant wood used in furniture, shipbuilding, construction.
Agro-Climatic Requirements
- Climate: Tropical climate, with moderate to high temperatures (25–35°C).
- Rainfall: Ideal annual rainfall: 1200–2500 mm.
- Sunlight: Requires full sunlight; sensitive to frost.
Soil Conditions
- Soil Type: Thrives in deep, well-drained alluvial or loamy soils.
- pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic).
- Avoids waterlogged or saline soils.
Growth & Harvesting
- Rotation Period: Harvestable in 20–25 years, though longer cycles (50+ years) yield premium timber.
- Height: Can grow up to 30–40 meters.
- Leaves: Large, papery, and shed annually (deciduous).
Ecological & Industrial Significance
- Leaves are generally waste, but rich in anthocyanins (as per recent research).
- Teak plantations aid in carbon sequestration and soil conservation.
- A high-value export timber species for India.
