Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has extended support to the Shahi Litchi farmers of Muzaffarpur, by way of financial grant to the Litchi Growers Association of Bihar (the Association), for capacity building. Shahi Litchi, also known as the "Queen of Fruits," is a highly prized variety of Litchi that is grown in the state of Bihar and was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018. The cultivation of Shahi Litchis primarily takes place in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, which is often referred to as the “Litchi Kingdom.” The climatic conditions and fertile soil in this region contribute to the exceptional taste and texture of the fruit. India is the second largest producer of Litchi in the world, after China. Shahi Litchis are known for their exquisite taste, sweet aroma, and large size. The fruit has a vibrant red skin and juicy, translucent flesh. It is considered to be one of the finest varieties of litchi due to its unique flavour profile and superior quality.
Given the perishable nature of the fruit, Exim Bank’s financial support in the form of providing a solar powered cold room, tractor, automated pesticide sprayers and related agricultural equipment to enhance the quality and shelf life of Litchi, which will result in a considerable reduction in spoilage and waste. These facilities will also help growers in creating export capability leading to increase in exports of Litchi and resultantly incremental income to the farmers. This is the Bank’s first intervention in line with the Government of India’s One District One Product (ODOP) and District as Export Hubs (DEH) initiatives and is expected to benefit over 300 farmers of the Association. The Bank has identified more than 50 districts from 27 states for support under ODOP/DEH in the current financial year.
Moreover, all the equipment provided to the association with the support of Exim Bank is manufactured indigenously, and solar powered cold room is manufactured by Ecozen Solutions Private Limited (Ecozen), a company involved in developing innovative solutions and contributing to build a sustainable future. Ecozen is supported under the Bank’s Ubharte Sitare Programme (USP) which identifies Indian companies with potential advantages by way of differentiated technology, product or process.
The aforementioned project was inaugurated at Muzaffarpur, Bihar by Dr. Bhushan Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, in the presence of Shri Tarun Sharma, Deputy Managing Director, Exim Bank. At the inauguration ceremony, Shri Sharma said, “India is one of the largest producers and exporters of agricultural products, with grains, cereals, sugar and spices leading the way. The share of fresh fruits and vegetables has been low, at around 3% of India’s agricultural exports during 2022-23, mainly due to the unavailability of storage facilities. The support to Litchi farmers of Bihar is a step forward in boosting India’s agricultural exports and would create a demonstration effect across the nation’s supply chain. Exim Bank is committed to supporting globalisation of MSMEs, including those based out of rural India, through its grassroots initiative, by way of skill development, capacity building and product placements in Indian and overseas markets.”
In Bihar, Exim Bank has also extended support for the traditional art form Madhubani paintings of Madhubani District of Bihar by way of capacity building and widening access to markets. Artisans have been provided extensive training for enhancing their skills along with support for participation in traditional art exhibitions like Kala Ghoda Art Festival, Mumbai; Traditional and Tribal Art Exhibition at the Surajkund International Craft Mela; and the Bank’s exclusive art exhibition Exim Bazaar.
The Bank has also published a study titled “Promoting Exports from Bihar: Insights and Policy Perspectives” analysing the potential for exports from the State, and outlining strategies for creating an enabling environment for exports at the state-level. In recognition of the need for export promotion at the state level, and in accordance with its mandate of promoting India’s international trade, the Bank has been engaging with state governments in India and has so far prepared strategy papers for 14 states.
Exim Bank, through its Grassroots Initiatives and Development (GRID), and Marketing Advisory Services (MAS) programmes, has actively supported artisans, master craftsmen, weavers, clusters, self-help groups, NGOs, grassroot and micro-enterprises, for their various needs through capacity-building, setting up common facility centres, augment operational efficiencies, achieve higher value addition, and widen market access to support and build international linkages for such entities.
For further information, please contact: Mr. Dharmendra Sachan, General Manager, Export-Import Bank of India, 8th Floor, Maker Chamber IV, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021; Phone: +91-22-22860585; E-mail: grid@eximbankindia.in