Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan orders immediate intervention as litchi stink bug threatens Bihar’s fruit belt

The Centre has initiated urgent action to address the growing crisis faced by litchi farmers in Bihar after reports of widespread crop damage caused by the litchi stink bug.

Taking serious note of farmers’ concerns, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed the formation of a special expert task force to assess the situation, visit affected regions and recommend immediate as well as long-term solutions.

The development comes at a critical time for Bihar’s horticulture sector, as the state remains India’s largest producer of premium litchi varieties and a key supplier to domestic and export markets.

Key Highlights

• Centre forms expert task force to address Bihar’s litchi pest crisis
• Panel to investigate damage caused by the litchi stink bug
• Team includes scientists, entomologists and horticulture experts
• Report with recommendations to be submitted within one week
• Experts to visit worst-affected litchi-growing districts in Bihar
• Focus on immediate relief, advisories and long-term pest management

Farmers Raised Issue During Lucknow Horticulture Event

The issue was brought to the attention of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a farmer interaction programme held on May 7 at the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Lucknow.

Farmers reported extensive crop losses due to infestation by the litchi stink bug, prompting the minister to order immediate intervention and formation of a specialised scientific panel.

National Research Centre on Litchi to Lead Task Force

According to an order issued by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, the task force will scientifically assess the extent of crop damage, evaluate the pest outbreak and recommend both emergency and long-term management strategies.

The Director of the National Research Centre on Litchi in Muzaffarpur will chair the panel.

The expert group includes:

• Scientists from ICAR institutions
• Officials from Bihar’s horticulture and agriculture departments
• Entomology specialists
• Representatives from agricultural universities
• Experts from the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture

Team to Visit Affected Districts

The task force is expected to visit the most severely affected litchi-growing blocks across Bihar in the coming days.

The panel has been instructed to:

• Study pest infestation patterns
• Assess crop and economic losses
• Recommend farmer advisories
• Suggest state and central government interventions
• Develop integrated pest management strategies

The report will be submitted to Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan within a week for timely action.

Major Implications for Fruit Trade and Hospitality Sector

Bihar’s litchi industry plays an important role in India’s fresh fruit economy, supplying premium varieties to wholesale markets, hospitality chains, fruit processors and export channels.

Any significant crop damage could impact:

• Fresh fruit availability
• Prices in hospitality and retail sectors
• Fruit processing supply chains
• Export-quality produce availability

The Centre’s rapid response signals growing emphasis on scientific horticulture management and crop protection as India pushes to strengthen its premium fruit export ecosystem.