The prized Shahi Litchi of Mithila and Muzaffarpur is now making its way to markets across India faster and fresher than ever, all thanks to the expanding air cargo services at Darbhanga Airport. In a remarkable leap, the airport handled 250 tonnes of litchis this year, marking a record 108% increase from last year’s 120 tonnes.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) proudly announced the milestone on social media, highlighting how regional air connectivity is transforming both lives and livelihoods. In a post on platform ‘X’, AAI shared, “We are happy to share that Darbhanga Airport is now transporting goods of local farmers to other parts of the country. This has not only increased their income but ensures that agricultural products are reaching destinations on time and in fresh form.”
For the farmers and traders of Bihar, this surge in agri-cargo traffic has unlocked new opportunities. Faster, reliable air transport means the Shahi litchis reach markets at peak freshness, fetching premium prices and improving farm incomes. What once took days via road or rail now reaches shelves within hours, boosting both economic returns and the region’s agricultural visibility.
The success of Darbhanga as a rising agri-cargo hub underscores the vital role of modern logistics infrastructure in rural development. Beyond just efficient litchi distribution, it reflects how regional airports, when leveraged effectively, can become growth engines for local economies.
This achievement is closely aligned with the Central Government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme and Bihar government’s focus on empowering agri-based industries. By strengthening air cargo facilities in the region, both administrations aim to enhance regional connectivity and double farmers’ incomes through sustainable, modern interventions.
Once primarily a passenger airport, Darbhanga Airport is fast emerging as a key logistics node for agricultural exports in eastern India. The airport’s evolution into an agri-cargo powerhouse is not just about litchis, it’s about setting the groundwork for future exports of other perishable, high-value farm products.
