GI tag for Bihar’s ‘Shahi Litchi’

After the Jardalu mango, Katrani rice and Magahi paan, Bihar’s Shahi litchi has also received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and has become an exclusive brand in the national as well as international market, said an official today.

Bihar’s Shahi litchi is well-known for its sweet, luscious, unique aroma and flavour and is typically grown in Muzaffarpur and adjoining districts that includes Vaishali, East Champaran, and Begusarai.

Vishal Nath, Director of National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) said, “It has officially become an exclusive brand with the GI label. We were informed about this positive development on 16 October. It was a much-awaited news for the states’ Shahi litchi.”

Nath added that the GI mark to Shahi litchi will definitely increase its demand in the market and will diminish the fear of fake and poor quality litchis.  He also said "The GI mark for the fruit will help and benefit a large number of litchi growers in the state and will give them access to more markets and get better price. “

Meanwhile, President of Litchi Growers Association of Bihar, Bachcha Prasad Singh informed media that “the GI registration was done in the name of Litchi Growers Association of Bihar, which had applied for the tag.”

It must be known that Bihar produces around 40 % of the litchi grown in India on 38% of the area.