Fate of Litchi Farmers Under Threat as Encephalitis’ Cause Unclear

Indian Medical Association, however, has made it clear that litchi is not causing encephalitis fever.

More than 100 children have died  due to encephalitis in Muzaffarpur and the fruit is being blamed for it. Farmers, labourers and traders have been in trouble since the ‘litchi- causing encephalitis fever’ speculation spread.

Photo: The Quint/Shadab Moizee

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Muzaffarpur’s litchi is known for its sweetness but suddenly, it is attracting lot of flak. More than 100 children have died  due to encephalitis in Muzaffarpur and the fruit is being blamed for it. Farmers, labourers and traders have been in trouble since the 'litchi is causing encephalitis fever' speculation spread. The Quint visits a few villages where litchi is grown.

There are hundreds of litchi-growing villages like Punas, Patiyasa, Chadwara and Majhauli in Muzaffarpur. Forty-five percent of India’s litchi is grown in Bihar. The litchi grown in Bihar is tagged GI ie Geographical Indication, which means it is patented.

According to the president of Bihar Litchi Association Bachha Prasad Singh, “the Indian government’s Intellectual Property Department has patented royal Litchi to Bihar last year. It is Bihar’s pride.”

“Litchi has been defamed by some politicians and journalists. In Bihar, 32,000 hectares of land is covered with litchi trees. One lakh families are connected to the litchi business. Due to rumours, people associated with the litchi business have lost about Rs 100 crore.”

Bachha Prasad Singh, Chief, Bihar Litchi Association

Farmers, labourers and businesspeople have lost crores of rupees.

“Litchis are rotting on the tree. One could not sell the fruit due to the encephalitis rumour. We sold a box of litchis for Rs 800-1,000 but now we are able to fetch only Rs 100-200 for it. Traders did not harvest litchis this time. So now everybody traders and labourers are facing a loss. They did not get any money.”

Dr Bindeshwar Prasad, Litchi farm owner

Farmers & Traders Scared of Future Losses

“We are more worried about next year and are planning to appeal to the government. We will ask them to find the real cause of this fever so that litchi does not get blamed for it. And people start eating litchi again.”

Bachha Prasad Singh, Chief, Bihar Litchi Association

Indian Medical Association has made it clear that litchi is not causing encephalitis fever, nor is it the reason for the death of children.

(This story was originally published on Quint Hindi)