India, May 21 -- Litchi farmers in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, Vaishali and West Champaran districts are reporting losses of up to 70% this season.

Scientists say inadequate winter chill, cloudy weather, untimely rain, flower webber attacks and April heat affected flowering, fruit setting and fruit drop.

The National Research Centre on Litchi says many orchards have only 30% to 40% of the usual crop this year.

Farmers say Muzaffarpur's orchards, known for the GI-tagged Shahi litchi, are seeing one of their worst production seasons.

Experts warn that litchi is highly sensitive to temperature, rainfall and humidity, making it increasingly vulnerable to climate variations.

Sweet and juicy summer litchis have been badly hit this year in Bihar b...