Patna: When people think of Bihar’s agriculture, makhana and shahi litchi usually steal the spotlight. But beyond these celebrated crops, Bihar has quietly evolved into an agricultural powerhouse, producing a wide range of crops that feed not just India but parts of the world.
According to agricultural data, Bihar now tops national charts in five major crops — litchi, makhana, mushroom, water chestnut (singhada), and bottle gourd (lauki) — while ranking second or third in several others like potato, lentil, green chili, okra, and cauliflower.
Five Crops That Make Bihar No. 1
1. Litchi:
Bihar is often called the “Litchi Capital of India”, producing nearly 40–43% of India’s total litchi output — around 3,00,000 to 3,22,000 tonnes annually. The state’s Shahi Litchi holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and enjoys global demand in the UK, UAE, Europe, and Australia, with 5,000–7,000 tonnes exported every year.
2. Makhana (Fox Nut):
The Mithila Makhana, also GI-tagged, accounts for 80–90% of India’s total production, primarily from Madhubani and Darbhanga districts. Bihar produces up to 1,20,000 tonnes of seeds and 40,000 tonnes of processed makhana annually, exporting to the US, Canada, Nepal, and the UK.
3. Mushroom:
In the past five years, Bihar’s mushroom revolution has been remarkable. Annual production has surged to 41,000 tonnes, bringing the state from 13th to 1st position nationally. Button and oyster mushrooms dominate the yield, with exports reaching China, Japan, and Nepal.
4. Singhada (Water Chestnut):
Bihar contributes 70–80% of India’s singhada production, with up to 1,00,000 tonnes harvested annually. North Bihar’s wetlands make it ideal for cultivation, and the crop is exported to the US, UK, and the Gulf countries.
5. Lauki (Bottle Gourd):
The fertile plains of the Ganga valley produce over 6,50,000 tonnes of lauki every year, representing nearly 20% of India’s total yield. It is exported mainly to Nepal and Bangladesh, while serving domestic markets across northern India.
Strong Performers on Second and Third Spots
Bihar ranks second in jute and mesta production and third in potato, lentil, green chili, okra, and cauliflower. The state is also among the top five producers of mango, onion, radish, cabbage, carrot, brinjal, sunflower, sugarcane, and maize — showing its strength in both fruits and vegetables.
From Backward State to Agri Role Model
Experts credit Bihar’s rise to its rich alluvial soil, favorable climate, and increasing adoption of modern farming practices. State-backed irrigation projects, farmer subsidies, and agri-tech support have accelerated productivity.
“Bihar’s farmers are moving beyond traditional crops,” said an agriculture scientist from Rajendra Prasad Agricultural University. “The state’s diversity — from litchi to mushrooms — shows how small farmers are adapting to new opportunities.”
