Shivraj Singh Chouhan Orders Expert Task Force to Tackle Litchi Stink Bug Crisis in Bihar
Following concerns raised by farmers, Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed the constitution of a special expert task force that will visit the affected areas and submit a report along with recommendations for remedial measures.
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Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered the formation of a special expert task force to address the growing threat of litchi stink bug infestation affecting litchi crops in Bihar.
The decision came after farmers raised concerns over extensive crop damage during an interaction programme held on May 7 at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Lucknow. Taking immediate cognisance of the issue, Chouhan directed officials to constitute a specialised panel to assess the situation and recommend remedial measures.
According to an order issued on May 7 by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi in Muzaffarpur, the task force will conduct field visits in affected litchi-growing regions of Bihar, scientifically assess crop losses caused by the litchi stink bug, and suggest both immediate and long-term measures to support farmers.
The panel will also recommend advisories and extension activities for farmers and propose interventions required at both the state and central government levels.
The Director of the National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, has been appointed chairperson of the task force. The panel comprises scientists, entomologists, horticulture experts, and officials from several institutions and government departments.
Members include representatives nominated by the Bihar government’s Directorate of Horticulture-cum-Bihar State Horticulture Mission and Directorate of Plant Protection, as well as experts from Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University in Samastipur and Bihar Agricultural University in Bhagalpur.
The task force also includes Dr Jaipal Singh Chaudhary from the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region and the Centre for Agricultural Systems Research for Hill and Plateau Region, Ranchi; Dr M Sampat Kumar from the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources; scientist Dr Ipsita Samal from the ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi; and Principal Scientist Dr Vinod Kumar, who will serve as the member secretary of the panel.
As per the order, the expert team will soon visit the worst-affected blocks in Bihar’s litchi-producing districts. The task force has been asked to submit its report to the Union Agriculture Minister within one week to facilitate timely action and relief measures for farmers.
