Chinese tradition considers the fruit as a lucky charm. One can find the tree in India, Thailand, South Africa, Israel, Mexico, Australia and Madagascar the world's third largest Lychee producer after China and India.
Rich in energy, grow with water
The Lychee chinensis or commonly called Lychee is a tropical tree fruit that first appeared in South China. It is recognizable by its red rough shell. The pulp is white translucent, juicy and very sweet. In the center, the core is brown. The fruit diameter can reach 3 to 5 cm and one grown tree can produce about 100 or 150 kg per year.
Its original taste is a mix of strawberry, rose and muscat. Thanks to its high content in vitamin C and carbohydrates, the Lychee is an excellent source of energy. The minerals and micronutrients it contains also participate to well-being.
In Madagascar, the Lychee is produced in the East Coast where the climate is humid tropical. Indeed, the tree is highly sensitive to water shortage. Bloom starts in August and lasts one month whereas fruits set from September. Matured fruits are available from November to January. This year, the harvest opening date was planned November 20th to 24th.
A recovering sector
Those past 15 years, Lychee fruits gradually lost in size and quantity. The climate change that lowered rainfall to 50% impacted harvest which led to a decrease in production, in size and in exports as well so far. Out of 120 000 tons harvested per year, only 70 000 tons were in 2017. Exports, annually calculated 20 000 tons, also drastically decreased to 17 000 tons the same year.
In Madagascar, the production and export of Lychee are essential to the economy. The activity supports nearly 40 000 families to mention just the East Coast of the Island.
Despite strong competition with South Africa and Zimbabwe, 90% of European Lychee comes from Madagascar .The fruit floods the stalls and fruit racks of supermarkets in December. Other markets have been added to the list lately, among others, Dubai, Russia, the Indian Ocean and South Africa.
According to Horticultural Technical Center from Toamasina, the 2018 Lychee campaign promises high results. 82% of the 1488 trees observed in the North and South zones of Toamasina are productive whereas only 35% were in 2017.
Main destinations of Madagascan Lychee | 2017
Sources: ITC Trade Map
Sources: CTHT, ITC Trade Map
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