Muzaffarpur’s famous litchis are making headlines again. A company from Dubai has placed a massive order of 50 tons of Bihar-grown litchis, signaling a big breakthrough for Indian fruit exports.

According to Deepak Mishra of Mohi Group (Lucknow), last year only 20 tons of litchis were exported via air to Gulf countries. This year, the number is expected to more than double — thanks to new proposals to use container ships instead of air cargo, allowing larger shipments at lower costs.

Export by Sea: A Game Changer

The Dubai-based company has sent an official email to APEDA, Exim Bank, and the Bihar Litchi Association requesting shipment by sea. If the government provides cold containers, litchis can be easily shipped from Kolkata or Mumbai ports.

Why this matters:

  • Higher export volumes possible through sea route
  • Lower transportation cost than air cargo
  • Better profit margins for farmers and traders
  • Increased shelf life of litchis using refrigerated containers

Association Pushes for Government Support

Bihar Litchi Association President Bachcha Prasad Singh confirmed this is the biggest litchi order yet. He emphasized the need for government-provided containers to make this export plan successful.

He said:

“China exports more litchis only because they ship by container. But Muzaffarpur litchis taste better and look better than Chinese litchis. If we ship them, we can beat China in the global market.”

Upcoming Export-Focused Summit in Patna

A two-day Buyer–Seller Meet will be held in Patna on May 19–20, organized by APEDA. The event will bring together:

  • Exporters and importers from India and abroad
  • Government officials and policy planners
  • Discussions on international markets for Indian farm products

This meet could open more doors for Bihar’s litchi farmers and exporters.

Did You Know?

  • Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag
  • Litchis are exported to UAE, UK, and Europe, but mostly in small batches
  • Cold storage and container support can increase export volume by 3–5x

FAQs

Who placed the 50-ton order?

A Dubai-based company from Lulu Group sent the order via email to APEDA and Bihar Litchi Association.

Why is sea transport better than air?

It allows for larger quantities, lower costs, and better shelf life with cold containers.

Which ports will be used for shipping?

Kolkata and Mumbai ports are being considered.

What role is the government expected to play?

The government is being asked to provide refrigerated containers to enable bulk shipping.

When is the next big event for litchi export planning?

A Buyer–Seller Meet will be held in Patna on May 19–20, involving exporters and foreign buyers.