The NRCL is premier national institute for conducting research and developments on litchi and provide leadership at national level. It also acts as a national repository of information on litchi production, processing, value addition, and provides consultancy services to end users Genesis and Growth aboutusThe ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi was established on 6th June, 2001 at the fag end of IXth Plan by Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research to act as a nodal institution for research and development on litchi in India in a mission mode approach. The Centre started functioning from 2002 with budgetary allocation and the first batch of two scientists joining the Centre in March, 2002. The lease deed was signed on 25th June, 2002 between the ICAR and Government of Bihar to transfer 100 acres of land to the Centre at Mushahri. The Centre was strengthened during 2005 and onwards by redeploying scientific, technical and supporting staff along with administrative support and financial assistance for developing infrastructural facilities and to carry out the research work. The Centre is located at Mushahari, on Muzaffarpur-Pusa Road at 2605’87’’ N latitude, 85026’64’’ E longitude at an elevation of 210 m. It is about eight km from Muzaffarpur railway station. The area has typically subtropical climate with an average annual rainfall of 1100-1300 mm. The soil conditions of the area are alluvial with sandy loam texture and are calcareous having pH 7.5 – 8.0. The research farm of the centre is spread over an area of 40 ha.