On May 24, 2020 The Department of Posts, Government of India and Department of Horticulture, Government of Bihar has partnered to supply ”Shahi Litchi” of Muzaffarpur & “Zardalu Mango” of Bhagalpur at the doorstep of people. Bihar Postal Circle has made an agreement with the Bihar’s Horticulture department for its logistics & delivery. People can place orders on the website “horticulture.bihar.gov.in” online form May 25.
Purpose of doorstep delivery
i.The Litchi & Mangoes cultivators have been finding it difficult to carry/transport their fruits to the markets for sale due to lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.
ii.The initiative came into existence as its supply among the people has become a major challenge and so to meet the public demand and provide direct market space for farmers to sell their fruits without any intermediaries.
Availability
i.Initially this facility will be available to people of Muzaffarpur & Patna for Shahi Litchi and Patna & Bhagalpur for Zardalu Mango.
ii.Litchi will be booked minimum for 2 kgs and mangoes for 5 kgs. The postal department will ensure free delivery within 24 hours
Advantages for cultivators & people
Online booking and delivery at doorstep facility will help cultivators/farmers to earn profits in this new market directly. Customers will be benefited to get these branded fruits at their doorstep at low cost.
Key Points
i.The district collector had released a communication ordering that places identified as loading points for litchis or having processing units will be allowed to carry out their operations beyond 6 pm, the deadline for most economic activities across the state.
ii.“Shahi Litchi” is being offered to far-off places like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Chennai and Agra
About Shahi Litchi
The Shahi Litchi of Muzaffarpur’s north Bihar district has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018. It is distinguished from other varieties by its unique fragrance and extra-juicy pulp & has smaller than usual seed
About Zardalu Mango
It got its GI tag along with Katrani rice and Magahi paan (betel vine) from Bihar in 2018. The mango is popular for its thin peel and aroma, and has been on the state government’s annual gift list for some 40 very very important persons(VVIPs) including the President of India and the Prime Minister. It usually weighs between 220 gram(gm) and 250 milligram(mg).
About Bihar:
Capital– Patna
Chief Minister– Nitish Kumar
Governor– Phagu Chauhan
National Park(NP)– ValmikiNP, West Champaran
