Himachal’s First Harvest: The Sweet Story of Early Apples Lighting Up the Markets

As July unfolds, a gentle sweetness begins to drift through the vegetable markets of the capital. It’s the unmistakable aroma of fresh apples—early arrivals from the hills of Himachal Pradesh. These aren’t just any apples; they’re the season’s first gift, ripened with care and bursting with flavor.

From the orchards of Shimla, Kotgarh, and Rohru, farmers are busy harvesting varieties that mature faster than their royal cousins. These early apples, like Gala, Red June, and Tydeman, need fewer chilling hours and less water, making them ideal for the changing climate. Their arrival in mandis has sparked excitement, with traders bidding and buyers eager to taste the first fruits of the season.

In Dhalli and Shimla mandis, the buzz is real. Crates of apples—small in size but rich in sweetness—are being sold at ₹120 to ₹180 per kilo. Local customers, like Himanshu Sharma, are thrilled to find fresh apples early in the season, even if prices feel a bit steep.

“They’re small, but the taste is amazing. My kids love them. If only they were a little cheaper,” she says with a smile.

Farmers have embraced organic methods, using natural fertilizers and drip irrigation to grow apples that are not just tasty but also sustainable.

“This year, the apples are smaller, but the sweetness is unmatched. We’ve grown them naturally and hope for good returns,” Ramesh shares proudly.

These apples are more than just produce—they’re a symbol of hope. They ripen between late June and mid-July, giving farmers an early chance to earn. The Gala variety, in particular, starts yielding fruit by the second or third year, making it a favorite among growers.

But the journey from orchard to market isn’t without challenges. Early apples spoil quickly and require swift transport. Poor road conditions can lead to losses, and storage options are limited. Yet, with proper packing and cold chain logistics, these apples hold promise for export and processing.

In the mandis of Theog, Narkanda, Rampur, and beyond, the rhythm of the season is picking up. Traders identify apples not by name, but by their color and taste.

“Red June or Tydeman—we know them by their flavor. That’s the language of the mandi,” he says.

As the first apples of the season make their way to cities like Delhi, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh, they carry with them the story of months of hard work, changing weather, and the resilience of Himachal’s farmers.

With supportive policies, better infrastructure, and modern techniques, these early varieties could become the new face of Himachal’s apple industry—sweet, sustainable, and full of promise.