Malagasy lychee quantities likely to decline | Article

The Horticultural Technical Center in Toamasina (CTHT) in Madagascar expects production in its collection areas to fall by 50 percent, leading to a decline in overall export volumes to overseas markets.

A CTHT survey at the end of October confirmed that volumes would decline in all collection areas as well as other production zones.

According to CTHT, the lychee crop is expected to arrive very early in Madagascar this year, drawing comparisons with the 2016 season.

Inspections were carried out in Brickaville, Toamasina and Fenerive East in mid-October. It was found that the plants developed rapidly due to the abundant rains from early October.

In the second half of the month, favorable weather conditions promoted fruit development, including low rainfall, above-average nighttime temperatures and warmer days.

With exports for the season estimated at 18,000 tonnes, the harvest may need to be staggered to meet the needs of exporters, according to the CTHT, which expects the harvest to begin on November 10 and 13.

France is the main destination for Malagasy lychees, importing almost 35 percent of the volumes, followed by Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.