Shahi Litchi – The Royal Fruit of Bihar

1. Name & Origin

Shahi Litchi, a premium variety of litchi, is primarily grown in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and neighboring districts like Vaishali, Samastipur, East Champaran, and Begusarai. This region, with its fertile alluvial soil rich in calcium, provides the ideal conditions for growing sweet, aromatic, and juicy litchis.

Litchi farming in Bihar dates back several centuries, with some orchards reportedly over 250 years old. The unique rose-scented aroma and high pulp-to-seed ratio of Shahi Litchi distinguish it from other varieties like China Litchi. Recognizing its uniqueness, the Government of India granted it a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018, making it the fourth agricultural product from Bihar to receive GI status after Katarni Rice, Jardalu Mango, and Magahi Paan.

Shahi Litchi

2. Unique Features

Shahi Litchi is celebrated for its distinct aroma, high juiciness, and superior taste, making it a sought-after summer fruit in India and abroad.

Key Features:

• Unique Rose-Like Fragrance – Unlike other litchis, Shahi Litchi has a natural floral aroma.

• Soft & Juicy Pulp – The pulp is delicate, and its juice surrounds the flesh, making it extra succulent.

• High Sugar-Acid Blend – A perfect balance of sweetness and mild tanginess.

• Thin & Bright Red Skin – Easily peelable, with a thin yet sturdy texture.

• Short Shelf Life – Highly perishable, lasting only 2-3 days at room temperature.

  
  

3. Making Process (Cultivation & Harvesting)

Shahi Litchi farming follows a traditional yet scientific approach, ensuring premium quality.

Step 1: Soil Preparation & Plantation

• Grown in well-drained alluvial soil, rich in calcium and organic matter.

• Orchards are planted with saplings that take 5-7 years to mature.

Step 2: Flowering & Pollination

• Trees bloom in February-March, with pollination aided by bees and other insects.

Step 3: Fruit Development & Maturity

• Fruits grow in clusters and ripen by mid-May to June, just before the mango season.

Step 4: Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling

• Litchis are handpicked carefully to avoid damage, ensuring freshness.

• Post-harvest, they are immediately transported in refrigerated containers due to their short shelf life.

  

  Image Credit: Incredible India

  
  

4. Impact of GI (Geographical Indication) Status

The GI tag (2018) for Shahi Litchi has helped in protecting its identity, boosting exports, and increasing farmers’ income.

Economic Impact

Bihar contributes nearly 40% of India's litchi production, with Shahi Litchi forming a significant share. The annual production of Shahi Litchi is around 50,000-60,000 metric tonnes. It has been exported to countries like the UK and the Middle East, opening new global markets. The fruit is now sold at ₹300-₹350 per kg in metro cities like Bengaluru, while in Muzaffarpur, it is priced at around ₹100 for 100 litchis.

Sustainability Impact

Grown using organic farming techniques, reducing chemical pesticide usage. Efforts are being made to develop cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Agro-processing units are being set up to manufacture Shahi Litchi-based juices, squashes, and pulps, preventing wastage.

5. How to Identify Authentic Shahi Litchi

GI Certification – Look for official GI-tagged packaging from Bihar.

Aroma & Juiciness – Genuine Shahi Litchi has a strong floral scent and a high juice content.

Thin & Red Skin – The peel is bright red, thin, and easily removable.

Soft & Sweet Pulp – The fruit has less fiber, making it softer than other varieties.

Harvest Season – Authentic Shahi Litchi is only available between mid-May and June.

6. Challenges

Despite its GI tag and premium quality, Shahi Litchi faces several challenges:

• High Perishability – The short shelf life (2-3 days) limits storage and transportation.

• Climate Sensitivity – Erratic weather and unseasonal rains affect production.

• Counterfeit Sales – Many markets sell non-Shahi Litchis falsely labeled as Shahi Litchi.

• Limited Cold Storage – The lack of adequate post-harvest infrastructure leads to wastage.

• Export Bottlenecks – Need for better logistics, branding, and government support to boost exports.

  
  

7. Fun Facts

Muzaffarpur is known as the "Litchi Capital of India", with over 60% of the country’s litchi production happening here. Shahi Litchis were supplied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu in 2023 as a mark of Bihar’s pride. The fruit has been included in India's Operation Greens scheme, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing market reach. Some litchi trees in Gangauli village, Muzaffarpur, are over 250 years old! Farmers believe that Shahi Litchi grows best in Muzaffarpur’s soil, and some even take small amounts of soil with them when planting litchi saplings elsewhere.

 REFERENCES

1.     Geographical Indications Registry, Government of India, GI Application No. 565 – Shahi Litchi of Bihar (2018) https://ipindia.gov.in accessed 24 February 2025.

2.     Tea Board of India, Shahi Litchi – A GI Tagged Fruit from Bihar (2023) https://www.teaboard.gov.in accessed 24 February 2025.

3.     Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, ‘Shahi Litchi Gets GI Tag’ (2018) https://pib.gov.inaccessed 24 February 2025.

4.     The Hindu, ‘Bihar’s Shahi Litchi Gains Export Momentum with GI Tag’ (New Delhi, 15 June 2023) https://www.thehindu.com accessed 24 February 2025.

5.     The Indian Express, ‘Shahi Litchi of Muzaffarpur: Bihar’s Juicy Export’ (Patna, 20 May 2023) https://www.indianexpress.com accessed 24 February 2025.

6.     Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ‘Litchi Production and Market Analysis in India’ (2022) https://www.fao.org accessed 24 February 2025.

7.     Operation Greens Report, ‘Shahi Litchi Under Perishable Agro-Products Scheme’ (2023) https://www.nabard.orgaccessed 24 February 2025.