India, FAO ink $3.66 lakh litchi project
India, FAO ink $3.66 lakh litchi project
New Delhi: India, the world’s second biggest litchi producer, has signed an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for a $3,66,000 project, meant for improving the quality and yield of the fruit in the country.
India’s agriculture ministry and FAO signed a project for improving the productivity and quality of litchi in Bihar, which accounts for nearly 80% of the country’s total production, according to the FAO statement.
The project, with a total budget of $3,66,000, is funded by the FAO and will run for 23 months, it said.
According to the FAO, the project aims to strengthen and develop India’s capabilities to improve litchi productivity and quality as a means to raise economic standard and also to increase food security through the provision of selected technologies and training.
The UN body said that it would provide services of international and national consultants, in-country training activities, expendable and non-expendable equipment and an overseas study tour for two technicians.
Litchi production in India is estimated to be 2,50,000 tonnes. It exports around 1,300 tonnes of fresh and processed litchi, mainly to Europe and Asian countries.
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