Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | Bihar’s Expanding Litchi Farms, Shrinking Yields: What’s Driving This Juicy Paradox? Why Bihar’s Litchi Boom Is Not Translating into More Fruits Once
Bihar’s Expanding Litchi Farms, Shrinking Yields: What’s Driving This Juicy Paradox?
Once known for its sweet and succulent litchis, Bihar now finds itself in a surprising situation. The area under litchi cultivation is growing, yet production is plummeting. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, while litchi farming expanded by 3,000 hectares in 2024-25 compared to the previous year, the overall yield dropped by a massive 1.65 lakh metric tons.
This unexpected trend has left many wondering—why are we growing more but harvesting less?
In 2023-24, Bihar had 36,000 hectares of land under litchi cultivation. That number has now climbed to 39,000 hectares. Regions like Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, and West Champaran, once the strongholds of litchi farming, are now joined by Siwan, Gopalganj, and Sitamarhi, where new orchards are taking root.
Despite this growth, the state’s litchi production dropped from 3 lakh metric tons to 1.35 lakh metric tons in 2024-25. The contrast is stark and worrying.
According to Dr. Vikas Das, Director at Litchi Research Institute, one major reason is that farmers are abandoning old orchards. These orchards, although rich in heritage, have seen reduced productivity over the years. Farmers now prefer planting other fruits in these older spaces due to fear of loss and better profit margins elsewhere.
Additionally, low market prices are discouraging continued litchi cultivation. Farmers in Bihar earn just ₹20 per kg, while their counterparts in West Bengal can fetch up to ₹60 per kg. This price disparity has become a real roadblock for Bihar’s fruit economy.
The stink bug (Sting Bug) has emerged as another pressing threat. Over the last three years, its infestation has been rapid and destructive. These pests cause litchis to fall prematurely, resulting in massive losses.
The Agriculture Department has issued an advisory, urging farmers to use Alato insecticide along with Prahar spray. Timely treatment is crucial, yet not all farmers have access to proper guidance or resources.
There is a silver lining. With new plantations coming up in Siwan, Gopalganj, and Sitamarhi, the future still holds promise. These regions may eventually offset the current dip in production—but only if pest control, pricing, and farmer awareness are addressed proactively.
For now, farmers are shifting strategies, policymakers are taking note, and researchers are calling for intervention.
Will Bihar’s litchi reclaim its sweet spot in India’s fruit basket? That depends on the steps we take today.
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