Shivraj Singh Chouhan orders expert panel to address litchi crop crisis in Bihar

May 8, 2026 4:36 PM

Shivraj Singh Chouhan orders expert panel to address litchi crop crisis in Bihar

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered the formation of a special expert task force to tackle the growing crisis affecting litchi farmers in Bihar, where crops are reportedly suffering extensive damage due to the litchi stink bug. The decision comes after farmers raised concerns about the pest attack during an interaction programme held on May 7 at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Lucknow. Taking immediate cognisance of the issue...

India exports first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot to Qatar

June 27, 2025 3:59 PM

India exports first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot to Qatar

In a boost to India's horticultural exports, the first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab, was flagged off to Doha, Qatar, on Friday. The one-metric-tonne consignment marks a major milestone for India’s agri-export sector and was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the Punjab Horticulture Department. Additionally, a separate 0.5-metric-tonne ...