Bihar's Shahi litchi, noted for its distinctive sweetness and pulp, recorded an export milestone in 2025. A total of 250 tons of this fruit shipped from Darbhanga airport to key Indian cities reflects a 108% increase over the previous year's 120 tons.
This export surge correlates with enhanced production volumes and improved farmer market access, facilitated by streamlined air cargo services.
This season, litchis reached Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, spotlighting the Shahi variety cultivated in Muzaffarpur and Samastipur, regions known for suitable agro-climatic conditions favorable to this horticultural yield.
The expansion into broader markets benefits both farmers and traders within Bihar, enhancing the state's agricultural profile on a national level.
Commencing on May 20, after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's clearance, the initial shipment was dispatched by SpiceJet to Mumbai. Subsequently, Indigo Airlines and Akasa Air sustained a regular dispatch pattern through May and June. Record data indicated that Indigo Airlines transported 159.2 tons, while SpiceJet and Akasa Air handled 47 tons and 44.5 tons, respectively.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and its subsidiary AAICLAS had pivotal involvement in this project's execution. They collaborated with airline employees and the Eastern Regional Headquarters (RHQ-ER) to navigate logistical challenges and climatic hurdles, ensuring the commodity's safe, punctual transit.
This logistics advancement aids North Bihar litchi farmers by minimizing post-harvest losses, optimizing market reach, and securing improved pricing in urban locales. Insights from experts suggest that sustained air cargo export support could reshape Bihar's agrarian export framework, delivering enduring benefits for the local growers and contributing positively to the state's economic landscape.
Source: Indian Masterminds