Are you a fan of Shahi Litchi and Zardalu mango? If yes, you must be worried about not been able to enjoy these favourite fruits this year! Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown have brought huge disruptions. As a result you may not be able to get fruit of your choice the way you used to get. But don’t worry. Now you can order these fruits online, and guess what, postman will deliver it at your doorstep.
Bihar’s Department of Horticulture has signed an agreement with the Department of Posts to facilitate the delivery of Shahi Litchi and Zardalu Mango to the people at doorstep. You can place your order through the website horticulture.bihar.gov.in. Lichi can be booked minimum for 2 kgs and mangoes for 5 kgs.
This facility will be initially available in three cities – Patna, Muzaffarpur and Bhagalpur. Shahi Litchi will be delivered in Muzaffarpur and Patna, while Zardalu Mango will be initially delivered in Patna and Bhagalpur. Shahi Litchi is mostly produced in Muzaffarpur and surrounding areas while Bhagalpur is known for Zardalu Mango.
“Bihar Postal Circle has made an agreement with Department of Horticulture, Government of Bihar for logistics of Shahi Lichi from Muzaffarpur and Zardalu Mango from Bhagalpur and its delivery to the doorstep of the people,” Union Ministry Communications said in a statement.
Because of the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of corona virus, Litchi and mango cultivators have been finding it difficult to carry/transport their fruits to the markets for sale. Its supply amongst people has become big challenge and so to meet the demand of public and for giving market space directly to farmers to sell their fruits without any middlemen, the Department of Horticulture, Government of Bihar and Department of Posts, Govt of India have joined hands for this initiative, it added.
Online booking and delivery at doorstep facility will help cultivators/farmers by earning decent profits in this new market directly. Customers will also be benefitted to get these branded fruits at their doorstep at low cost.
“Till now order for 4400 kgs Lichi has been placed on website. It may go upto 100000 kgs during the season. Order for Mangoes will start in last week of May,” an official statement said.
GI tagged ‘Shahi litchi’ rich in the antioxidants, Vitamin-C, calcium, phosphorus, Omega-3 Wil help to boost immune system and helps in the fight against covid-19 pandemic.It is a very positive move by the Bihar government, which will prove to be beneficial for the farmers and for the buyers as well.
I think this is the right topic to start writing column because home grown fruit gives us immense pleasure and proud.
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