Muzaffarpur: Bihar’s internationally recognised Shahi Litchi has once again been dispatched to the country’s top leadership, with consignments sent for President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The consignment left Muzaffarpur on May 30 in refrigerated vans and is expected to reach Delhi by June 1. Growers and officials said the cold-chain transport system has been used to maintain the fruit’s freshness and flavour during transit.
Specially Selected Fruit
Known for its thin skin, small seed, high pulp content and sweetness, Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi is regarded as one of India’s premium litchi varieties. The fruit is sent annually to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Prime Minister’s residence and senior Union ministers.
This year’s consignment comprises around 2,000 cartons harvested from carefully monitored orchards. Officials said only fully ripened fruits with optimal sugar content were selected for dispatch.
Scientific Monitoring Throughout The Season
Scientists from the National Research Centre on Litchi supervised cultivation practices in the selected orchards. Orchard management, irrigation, fertiliser application and pest control measures were carried out according to scientific recommendations.
A monitoring team led by the district administration also oversaw the selection process during the harvesting season to ensure quality standards were met before packaging.
Orchards Supplying The Consignment
According to entrepreneur and orchard owner Alok Kedia, litchis from his orchards in Musahari, Saraiya, Mangra and Dholi have been supplied to the President, Prime Minister and Home Minister for the past decade.
Kedia said fruits are harvested only after reaching full maturity and appropriate sugar levels. After harvesting, the litchis are transported to a packhouse where they undergo sorting, cleaning and specialised packaging before shipment.
Special Packaging Arrangements
More than 50 artisans, including men and women, were engaged in packaging operations this season. According to those involved in the process, each carton was packed carefully to prevent damage during transportation.
Around 200 specially designed gift-style cartons were prepared for dignitaries. The boxes carry the message “A Token of Affection” on behalf of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and have been designed to protect the fruit while maintaining presentation standards.
GI Tag Strengthens Global Identity
Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which has helped strengthen its recognition in domestic and international markets.
The fruit remains in demand across India and in export markets, and its annual dispatch to the country’s highest constitutional and political offices is viewed as a significant recognition of the region’s horticultural heritage and the efforts of local growers.
