Darbhanga/Patna: The first air consignment of Muzaffarpur’s GI-tagged Shahi Litchi was dispatched from Darbhanga Airport to Ahmedabad on Saturday, in a move being hailed as a significant step forward for Bihar’s horticulture and agri-logistics sectors.
The initiative is expected to strengthen market connectivity for the internationally recognised fruit while improving transportation efficiency for growers, traders and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Shahi Litchi from Muzaffarpur is among Bihar’s best-known agricultural products and enjoys demand across domestic and overseas markets.
Faster Delivery Through Air Cargo
Officials and growers said air transportation would enable litchis to reach major markets across India within six to seven hours, helping preserve freshness and quality.
Krishna Gopal Singh of the Litchi Growers’ Association said the move was particularly important for premium customers and high-value markets.
“Consignments transported by air are typically intended for premium customers, as air travel ensures that the litchis reach any destination within six to seven hours,” he said.
The dispatch is also expected to strengthen Darbhanga Airport’s emerging role as an agri-cargo hub for North Bihar.
Export Trade Affected By Global Conflict
Growers said the litchi trade this year had been affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia.
According to Krishna Gopal Singh, exporters are currently facing difficulties shipping consignments to Gulf countries, which traditionally generate strong demand for Shahi Litchi.
However, exporters said demand remained strong in markets such as:
- the United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Russia
and expressed optimism that these destinations would provide fresh momentum to exports.
Demand Outpacing Logistics Capacity
The Litchi Growers’ Association said demand for Shahi Litchi this season was estimated at around one million tonnes, though existing logistics infrastructure remained insufficient to fully meet requirements.
Growers and traders are currently relying on:
- trains
- buses
- aircraft
to transport produce across the country.
Experts said expanded air cargo operations could help farmers secure better prices by reducing transit time and preserving fruit quality.
Officials also suggested the initiative could open new possibilities for transporting other agricultural produce from Bihar through air cargo networks in the future.
