Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has established a special expert task force to address the harm inflicted on litchi crops in Bihar. This initiative aims to provide a report on necessary actions to aid affected farmers within a week. The task force was set up following concerns raised by farmers regarding the extensive damage caused by the litchi stink bug during an interaction program in Lucknow.
The expert task force will conduct field visits to the affected regions and compile a detailed report with recommendations for remedial measures. Specifically, the task force, as per an order from the National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, will evaluate the current situation, analyze crop losses, and propose immediate and long-term solutions to alleviate the plight of farmers. Additionally, the task force will suggest advisories and extension activities for farmers, along with interventions needed at both state and central levels.
Comprising scientists, officials, and specialists from various institutions, the task force will be led by the Director of the National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur. The team will prioritize visits to the most affected blocks in litchi-producing districts of Bihar and present its findings to the Agriculture Minister promptly for necessary actions.
The panel includes representatives nominated by key agricultural bodies in Bihar, such as the Director of Horticulture-cum-Bihar State Horticulture Mission and the Director of Plant Protection, Bihar Agriculture Department. Noteworthy members also include scientists from renowned research institutions specializing in entomology and agricultural insect resources. Dr. Vinod Kumar will serve as the member secretary of the task force.
