Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | Bihar’s Fields Tell a Bigger Story When you think of Bihar, two names usually come up — Makhana and Litchi.However, the state’s
When you think of Bihar, two names usually come up — Makhana and Litchi.
However, the state’s story doesn’t stop there. Over the years, Bihar has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic agricultural powerhouses. Its farmers are now combining traditional knowledge with modern farming techniques, transforming the state into a leader across multiple crops.
Let’s take a closer look at the five crops that make Bihar the pride of Indian agriculture.
The world knows Bihar for its Shahi Litchi, a fruit so special that it carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Every year, the state produces 3 to 3.22 lakh tonnes, contributing nearly 43% of India’s total litchi output.
Moreover, Bihar’s litchi isn’t confined to Indian markets. It travels to the UK, UAE, Nepal, France, and Australia, earning foreign exchange and fame for local farmers. Thanks to its flavor and freshness, the “Shahi Litchi” has become Bihar’s sweet ambassador across continents.
Next comes Mithila Makhana, another gem that carries a GI tag and deep cultural roots. Bihar contributes 80–90% of India’s total makhana production. The state annually produces around 10,000–1,20,000 tonnes of seeds and nearly 40,000 tonnes of processed makhana.
Beyond domestic markets, Mithila’s Makhana is exported to the USA, UAE, Canada, and Australia. Farmers call it “white gold” — a symbol of pride and prosperity. Over time, it has also turned into one of India’s fastest-growing superfoods, loved for its nutrition and crunch.
In recent years, Bihar has turned its attention to mushroom cultivation — and the results are impressive. Since 2021, mushroom production has grown rapidly, positioning Bihar among India’s top producers.
Every year, the state produces around 28,000–41,000 tonnes, accounting for 10–12% of India’s total yield. Farmers primarily grow Button and Oyster mushrooms, using low-cost sheds and modern composting methods. As a result, mushrooms from Bihar now reach West Bengal, Jharkhand, and even countries like Japan and Nepal.
Clearly, Bihar is no longer relying only on traditional crops — it’s experimenting, innovating, and thriving.
Bihar’s wetlands have found a new treasure — Singhada (Water Chestnut). The state produces 50,000–1,00,000 tonnes annually, and about 80% of this comes from North Bihar.
Because of its high demand and easy adaptability, Singhada has become a profitable choice for small-scale farmers. The fruit now travels to the US, UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. With proper packaging and cold-chain facilities, this aquatic crop has turned stagnant ponds into sources of steady income.
The humble Bottle Gourd (Lauki) might not sound glamorous, yet it has immense value. Bihar produces 6.5 to 6.6 lakh tonnes annually, contributing nearly 20% of India’s total yield.
Because of the state’s fertile Gangetic plains, Lauki thrives throughout the summer and monsoon seasons. Most of the production serves local markets, but Bihar also exports to Bangladesh and Nepal. In a health-conscious world, where demand for light, nutritious food is growing, Lauki gives Bihar another strong edge.
The list doesn’t end here. Bihar ranks second in Jute and Mesta production and third in Potato, Lentil, Green Chili, Okra, and Cauliflower. It also ranks fourth in fruits and vegetables such as Mango, Onion, Carrot, and Eggplant, and fifth in Sunflower, Sugarcane, and Maize.
Such variety proves that Bihar is not just sustaining agriculture — it is leading it through diversity.
Several factors have fueled Bihar’s agricultural transformation:
Fertile alluvial soil and rich water resources from the Ganga plains.
Government initiatives supporting irrigation, subsidies, and crop diversification.
Farmers adopting modern techniques like drip irrigation and organic farming.
Expanding export opportunities that link Bihar’s produce to global markets.
Furthermore, the shift from traditional methods to smart, scientific farming has boosted both productivity and profitability. Bihar’s farmlands are no longer seen as outdated — they are symbols of innovation and sustainability.
Once labeled as a backward state, Bihar is now scripting a remarkable turnaround through agriculture. From Shahi Litchi to Mithila Makhana, and from Mushrooms to Singhada, every crop carries the essence of Bihar’s determination and progress.
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