Content:

1. India Flags Off First Consignment of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar
2. 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.