In a recent study by the National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) based in Muzaffarpur, it has been proposed that expanding litchi cultivation could offer economic relief to farmers in Bihar. The state, already a leader in litchi production, primarily concentrates its cultivation in Muzaffarpur and its adjoining districts. However, the study identifies additional districts such as Banka, Jamui, Aurangabad, Purnea, Katihar, Araria, Sitamarhi, and Madhubani as having the right soil and climatic conditions for litchi cultivation.
The NRCL's research indicates a substantial potential for commercial litchi production to scale up, given the crop's sensitivity to specific climatic conditions like temperature, rainfall, and humidity. Currently, litchi cultivation spans over 32,000 hectares in Bihar, with Muzaffarpur alone accounting for 12,000 hectares, where the unique Shahi litchi variety was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018.
The study titled "Litchi Production Suitability of Indian States" suggests that nearly a million hectares in Bihar could be highly suitable for litchi cultivation over the next 30 years. It also emphasizes the importance of leveraging the network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) for spreading advanced orchard management techniques among farmers traditionally focused on wheat and paddy cultivation.
Furthermore, the NRCL study calls for the establishment of pack houses in the state to facilitate the branding and export of litchi, highlighting the absence of facilities approved by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This infrastructure is deemed crucial for enhancing the state's horticultural exports.
Bikash Das, director of NRCL, conveyed to Down To Earth (DTE) the significance of their findings, stating, "Our scientific study highlighted soil suitability and climatic conditions favourable for expansion of area under litchi in Bihar." He added that diversifying into litchi cultivation could significantly boost farmers' incomes, especially for those currently limited to traditional crops.
However, the report also acknowledges the challenges faced in integrating new technologies into Bihar's age-old litchi cultivation practices, which have previously hindered efforts to promote scientific cultivation and export of the crop.
Source:Down to Earth