The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Bihar): The renowned ‘Shahi’ Litchi from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, will be more expensive this year due to severe heatwaves. These unfavorable weather conditions have significantly affected the litchi production in the region.
Known as the “Litchi Kingdom” or the “Litchi Capital of India,” Muzaffarpur typically enjoys weather favorable for high-quality litchi production. The district is famous for its Shahi and China litchi varieties, celebrated for their aroma and quality. Litchis are cultivated on approximately 12,000 hectares in Muzaffarpur, thriving in its unique climate and soil.
However, this year’s severe heatwaves have hindered litchi production. Budhan Saini, overseeing litchi plantations in Muzaffarpur Majhauli, reported a 35 percent drop in production compared to the previous year. He explained, “Due to unfavorable weather, litchi will be harvested late this year. Protecting litchi from insects is also a challenging task. Although litchi is being harvested and sent to the market from many gardens in Muzaffarpur, it has not yet ripened properly.”
Records from past years show that Muzaffarpur typically produces around one lakh metric tonnes of litchi annually. This year, production is expected to be between 75,000 to 80,000 metric tonnes. The Shahi variety is the most affected, while the Chinese variety has suffered less due to the weather. The reduced rainfall has further impacted the yield.
With the decline in production, consumers can expect higher prices for the Shahi Litchi in the market. Awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018, the Shahi litchi became the fourth agricultural product from Bihar to receive this certification. The Litchi Growers Association of Bihar, based in Muzaffarpur, holds the GI registration for Shahi litchi.
India is the second-largest producer of litchi globally, following China. Bihar alone contributes more than half of India’s total litchi production. Thousands of litchi cultivators in Bihar face substantial losses this year as the heatwave has severely affected the fruit’s production, which is highly sought after during the summer for its cooling properties.
