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As litchi orchards prepare for flowering and fruiting next month, thousands of farmers in Bihar, particularly those cultivating the popular China variety, are worried about poor flower bud formation. This is expected to severely impact the summer yield.
The sparse appearance of flower buds, locally known as ‘manjar’, in orchards across Muzaffarpur and neighbouring districts has dashed farmers’ hopes of a bumper harvest. However, in contrast, Shahi litchi orchards have seen abundant flowering, raising expectations for a good yield. Muzaffarpur’s Shahi litchi, renowned for its size, unique flavour, and aroma, remains a prized variety.
Shahi and China are the region’s leading commercial litchi varieties, with Shahi ripening early and China following later in the season. Farmers in flood-prone Aurai and Mushari blocks have been hit hardest, reporting an alarming lack of flower buds.
“There are barely any flower buds on China litchi trees,” said Roshan Kumar, a farmer from Aurai. Another farmer, Sanjeev Kumar Singh from Mushari, added, “We expected good flowering this year, but poor bud formation is an indication of low yield.” Tiny flower buds are the first stage of litchi development, eventually blossoming into flowers and setting fruit, Singh added.
Farmers estimated a 40 per cent decline in flower buds compared to last year, which could lead to reduced production and higher market prices. Poor flowering means fewer fruits, resulting in lower profits, said Vikas Thakur, a litchi grower from Minapur. “China variety litchi farmers will suffer drastic fall in their annual profit.”
Bachcha Prasad Singh, president of the Bihar Litchi Utpadak Sangh and a litchi farmer himself, confirmed that most farmers depend on China litchi for income due to its large-scale cultivation. “Farmers depend on China variety litchi for good income because it is grown on large scale.”
Bhola Nath Jha, a big litchi farmer associated with the Litchi Utpadak Sangh, noted that while China variety faces difficulties, nearly 90 per cent of Shahi litchi trees have developed buds, thanks to favourable weather. Farmers are eagerly awaiting flowers of this variety to blossom from the second week of March, he added.
According to scientists at the National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) in Muzaffarpur, China litchi accounts for 65 per cent of the district’s total production. Poor flowering is attributed to erratic temperature fluctuations in winter and summer. Litchi is highly sensitive to temperature, rainfall and humidity, they said, adding that last year, high temperatures and westerly winds severely affected fruit development.
Mohammad Feza Ahmad, a fruit scientist at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur district, highlighted temperature as the key factor. “A temperature range of 30-35°C in the second half of April is ideal for fruit setting and reduces drop. Variations can impact size, sweetness and yield,” he explained. Litchi requires a specific microclimatic condition for optimal growth, and unfavourable weather can result in cracking, smaller fruit and reduced juiciness.
NRCL scientists also pointed out that litchi orchards require suitable soil conditions in addition to favourable temperatures. Temperature variations and unsuitable weather due to climate change have affected production in recent years. Heatwave-like conditions in April and May have led to heavy fruit drop, as litchi fruits are unable to tolerate high temperatures and hot westerly winds.
Litchi orchards cover around 12,000 hectares in Muzaffarpur and 32,000 hectares across Bihar, contributing nearly 40 per cent of India’s total production. Muzaffarpur’s Shahi litchi earned a geographical indication tag in 2018, further cementing its significance.
With temperatures expected to rise from March, the red, juicy litchis should hit the market after May 20 like every year, with farmers expected to start harvesting after May second week.