Litchi (Litchi chinensis) is one of the most delicious and exotic tropical fruits cultivated in India. Known for its sweet, juicy pulp and aromatic flavor, litchi is highly sought after during the summer season. The fruit is a powerhouse of vitamin C, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and essential minerals, contributing to overall health and immunity.
India is the second-largest producer of litchi in the world, with its cultivation concentrated in states like Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Assam. The favorable humid subtropical climate and fertile soils in these regions promote the growth of high-quality litchi varieties.
This article provides a comprehensive list of more than 10 top litchi varieties in India, their unique features, regions of cultivation, and uses.
1. Shahi
Shahi is one of the most popular litchi varieties in India, known for its excellent flavor and juiciness.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large
- Color: Pinkish-red skin
- Pulp: White, soft, and juicy
- Harvesting Season: May to early June
- Regions: Bihar (Muzaffarpur), Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High-quality fruit with a rich, sweet taste
- Thin skin with high pulp-to-seed ratio
- Uses: Fresh consumption, juice, and desserts
2. China
China litchi is valued for its large fruit size and thick pulp, making it ideal for both domestic and commercial markets.
- Fruit Size: Large
- Color: Bright red skin
- Pulp: Thick, white, and juicy
- Harvesting Season: Mid-June
- Regions: West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Excellent shelf life compared to other varieties
- High productivity and good market demand
- Uses: Fresh eating, juice production
3. Rose Scented
Rose Scented litchi is highly prized for its unique rose-like aroma, which sets it apart from other varieties.
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Color: Pinkish-red skin
- Pulp: Soft, juicy, and aromatic
- Harvesting Season: Late May to early June
- Regions: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Characteristics:
- Strong aroma with excellent taste
- Suitable for fresh markets and local consumption
- Uses: Fresh consumption, specialty desserts
4. Dehra Dun
Dehra Dun litchi, also called Dehradun litchi, is known for its thick pulp and good flavor.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large
- Color: Bright red skin
- Pulp: White, juicy, and sweet
- Harvesting Season: June
- Regions: Uttarakhand (Dehradun), Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Thick, fleshy pulp with high sweetness
- Tolerant to humid conditions
- Uses: Fresh eating, commercial markets
5. Bedana
Bedana litchi is a seedless variety with high pulp content, making it ideal for commercial purposes.
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Color: Bright red skin
- Pulp: White, juicy, and seedless
- Harvesting Season: Late May to June
- Regions: Bihar, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- Seedless or small-seeded fruits with a high pulp-to-seed ratio
- Excellent for fresh consumption
- Uses: Fresh eating, juice production
6. Bombai
Bombai litchi, also called Calcuttia, is a prominent variety grown in West Bengal.
- Fruit Size: Large
- Color: Bright red skin
- Pulp: Juicy, white, and moderately sweet
- Harvesting Season: Mid-June
- Regions: West Bengal, Assam
- Characteristics:
- High fruit yield with good market value
- Long shelf life compared to other varieties
- Uses: Fresh markets, commercial export
7. Elaichi
Elaichi litchi is a small-sized variety known for its cardamom-like aroma and distinct taste.
- Fruit Size: Small
- Color: Light red skin
- Pulp: White, juicy, and flavorful
- Harvesting Season: June
- Regions: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Unique aroma resembling cardamom
- Preferred for local consumption
- Uses: Fresh consumption, juices
8. Kasba
Kasba litchi is a medium-sized variety with high pulp content and good flavor.
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Color: Pinkish-red skin
- Pulp: Juicy and soft
- Harvesting Season: June
- Regions: Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- Sweet flavor and high pulp yield
- Thrives in humid conditions
- Uses: Fresh consumption, local markets
9. Longia
Longia litchi is a unique variety characterized by its elongated fruit shape.
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Color: Red skin
- Pulp: White, juicy, and sweet
- Harvesting Season: June
- Regions: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Elongated fruit shape with good taste
- High productivity in subtropical regions
- Uses: Fresh eating, juice
10. Purbi
Purbi is a variety widely grown in Bihar and West Bengal for its good yield and sweet taste.
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Color: Red skin
- Pulp: Juicy, white, and aromatic
- Harvesting Season: June
- Regions: Bihar, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- High yield with consistent fruit quality
- Thrives well in subtropical climates
- Uses: Fresh markets, juice extraction
11. Saharanpur Local
Saharanpur Local is a traditional variety known for its sweet flavor and good yield.
- Fruit Size: Medium
- Color: Pinkish-red skin
- Pulp: White, juicy, and aromatic
- Harvesting Season: Early June
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Characteristics:
- High productivity and adaptability
- Preferred for local markets
- Uses: Fresh consumption
FAQs
Q1: Which litchi variety is most popular in India?
A: Shahi litchi is the most popular variety, especially in Bihar, known for its sweetness and juiciness.
Q2: Which state produces the highest litchi in India?
A: Bihar is the largest producer of litchi, contributing around 75% of India’s production.
Q3: Which litchi variety has a rose-like aroma?
A: The Rose Scented litchi variety is known for its unique rose-like fragrance.
Q4: Are there seedless litchi varieties available?
A: Yes, the Bedana variety is a seedless or small-seeded litchi with high pulp content.
Q5: What is the ideal climate for litchi cultivation?
A: Litchi thrives in humid subtropical climates with cool winters and hot summers.
India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of high-quality litchi varieties like Shahi, China, Rose Scented, Dehra Dun, and Bedana. With rising demand for fresh and processed litchis in domestic and international markets, litchi cultivation offers immense economic potential for Indian farmers. By selecting the right variety and following proper cultivation practices, farmers can enhance yield and quality while meeting market demands.
