Sting bug infestation, unseasonal rain threaten state’s litchi crop

Patna: Bihar’s globally recognised litchi crop, known for its sweetness and aroma, is facing a severe crisis this season as unseasonal rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms coupled with a growing sting bug infestation have caused extensive damage to orchards across the state.

This year, Bihar witnessed monsoon-like conditions from early May with rainfall recorded at more than 200% above normal levels. The erratic weather triggered premature fruit drop, poor fruit quality and a sharp decline in production, leaving growers worried about heavy financial losses.

Bhola Nath Jha, an 80-year-old farmer from Muzaffarpur who cultivates litchi and mangoes on nearly 20 acres, said the sting bug problem has been worsening over the last four years.

“Unseasonal rain, storms and erratic weather conditions badly affected flowering this year. Only around 50% flowering could take place, and barely 25% of the expected crop has survived. In such a situation, even recovering costs has become difficult for farmers,” Bhola said.

Explaining the pest attack, he said, “The sting bug damages the crop from the flowering stage till fruit ripening. Initially it attacks flowers and small fruits, and later continues sucking the sap from ripening fruits. This affects fruit development and significantly reduces quality.”

Farmers said Bihar’s litchi, once known for its large size, sweetness and premium quality, is gradually losing its distinct identity as fruits are becoming smaller and production continues to decline.

Bhola claimed farmers had repeatedly alerted authorities about the growing infestation in previous years but timely large-scale intervention did not take place.

“The situation has now become alarming. Farmers are deeply worried about rising losses and falling incomes,” he added.

Sources at the National Research Centre on Litchi in Muzaffarpur said an advisory on sting bug management had been sent to the district administration and agriculture department on Oct 9, 2025. Subsidised spraying operations were later conducted, but the drive could not be implemented extensively across affected areas.

Bihar produces around 3 lakh metric tonnes of litchi annually across nearly 36,000 hectares. However, major production belts in Muzaffarpur, West Champaran, Vaishali and Bhagalpur have been badly affected this season.

Another grower, Bachcha Singh, warned the situation now resembled an epidemic.

“Nearly one-third of the crop has already been affected. Unless immediate control measures are implemented, Bihar’s litchi industry may face serious decline,” Bachcha said.

Amid growing concern, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has ordered formation of a special expert task force under National Research Centre on Litchi director Bikash Dash to assess losses and suggest long-term measures.