Shahi Litchi – UPSC Prelims

Shahi Litchi:
  • Shahi Litchi is a variety of litchi that is grown in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
  • It has high pulp and is juicier compared to the litchi grown in other parts of the country.
  • Favourable Conditions: 
    • Humid condition and alluvial soil having a fairly good amount of calcium content are favourable for this type of Litchi variety.
    • This is present in Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and nearby areas.
  • The translucent, flavoured aril or edible flesh of the litchi is popular as a table fruit in India. While in China and Japan it is preferred in dried or canned form.
  • GI Tag: 
    • Shahi litchi was the fourth agricultural product to get the Geographical Indication(GI) certification from Bihar in 2018.
    • This is after Jardalu mango, Katarni rice and Maghai paan.
  • Second-Largest Producer: India is the second-largest producer of litchi in the world after China
  • States: Bihar is the leading state for litchi production in the country.
  • Concern: Shahi Litchi is most commonly blamed for the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome(AES) outbreak in Bihar.
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