Whalesbook
Bihar's Litchi Harvest Devastated by Climate Change
Bihar's renowned Shahi litchi orchards, particularly those in Muzaffarpur, are facing a severe production crisis. Yields have plummeted by as much as 70% this season, marking one of the worst harvests on record. The drastic reduction, bringing production down to about 30% of normal levels, is a direct consequence of a series of extreme weather events that have crippled the crop from the crucial flowering stage through to fruit development.
Insufficient Winter Cold Disrupts Flowering
The region experienced a significant deficit in winter chilling during November and December 2025. With temperatures recorded above average, the lack of cold weather essential for litchi flowering disrupted the natural process. Instead of producing blossoms, the trees prematurely developed leaves. This initial setback severely limited the potential for fruit formation right from the start of the season.
Unseasonal Rains Encourage Pests
Following the chilling deficit, prolonged unseasonal rain and cloudy conditions persisted through February and March 2026. These wet conditions created a perfect environment for the flower webber pest to thrive. The infestation attacked the few blossoms that managed to form, damaging them and further reducing the chances of fruit setting. This combination of poor weather and pest activity dealt a heavy blow to the early stages of the crop.
High Temperatures Cause Fruit Drop
Adding to the challenges, unseasonably high temperatures hit the region in April 2026. These extreme heat conditions, coupled with frequent thunderstorms and strong winds in April and May, caused significant fruit drop. Many developing fruits were shed prematurely, drastically cutting down the quantity of marketable litchis. Scientists at the National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) in Muzaffarpur estimate that only 30% to 40% of the expected fruit has survived on the trees, signaling a major supply shock for the country.
Economic Impact and Future Concerns
Bihar accounts for 43% of India's total litchi output, typically producing around 300,000 metric tonnes annually. The current season's drastic losses will cause substantial economic hardship for farmers and are expected to drive up prices for consumers nationwide. This recurring pattern of climate-related crop failures underscores the growing vulnerability of India's agriculture sector and the urgent need for adaptive strategies to combat climate change impacts.