Bihar Litchi Crisis: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Forms High-Level Task Force to Save Crop
08 May 2026, New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has taken immediate and sensitive action in response to the problems being faced by litchi farmers in Bihar. After farmers raised concerns over severe crop damage caused by the litchi stink bug, the Minister directed the immediate formation of an expert task force to assess the situation and recommend solutions.
The issue was highlighted during the Krishak Samvad programme held on May 7 at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, where farmers informed the Union Minister about the extensive damage being caused to litchi crops by the pest infestation. Taking prompt cognizance of the matter, Mr. Chouhan instructed officials to constitute a specialised task force without delay.
According to an order issued on May 7 by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, the task force will assess the current situation of litchi stink bug infestation, visit affected areas, scientifically evaluate crop losses, and recommend both immediate and long-term measures to support farmers. The committee will also provide recommendations related to farmer advisories, extension activities, and necessary interventions at both the state and central government levels.
As per the order, the expert task force includes scientists, officials, and specialists from various institutions. The Director of the ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, has been appointed as the Chairperson. Other members include representatives nominated by the Directorate of Horticulture-cum-Bihar State Horticulture Mission, Bihar Government; the Directorate of Plant Protection, Agriculture Department, Bihar Government; entomology experts from Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University; representatives from Bihar Agricultural University; nominees from the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture; Dr. Jaipal Singh Chaudhary from the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region and Agricultural Systems Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region, Ranchi; Dr. M. Sampat Kumar from the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources; Dr. Ipsita Samal, Scientist (Entomology), and Dr. Vinod Kumar, Principal Scientist (Entomology) and Member Secretary from the ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur.
The order further states that the task force will soon visit the most severely affected blocks in Bihar’s major litchi-producing districts. The team has been directed to submit its report to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan within one week so that timely action can be ensured.
Also Read: FMC to Sell India Crop Protection Business to Crystal Crop Protection for $252 Million
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
