Himachal’s Apple Crop Shrinks, But Strong Market Prices Bring Relief to Growers

Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh are staring at a significantly smaller harvest this year, with production expected to decline by 40 to 50 per cent compared to last season. Yet, despite the sharp drop in output, encouraging market prices are helping farmers offset some of their losses.

Last year, the state produced around 3.5 crore apple boxes, but this season the Department of Horticulture estimates production at about 2 crore boxes. Many growers, however, believe the final figure could be even lower.

According to Horticulture Department apple arrivals in markets so far are only about half of what they were during the same period last year, indicating a substantial decline in production across the state’s key apple-growing regions.

Good Prices Offer a Silver Lining

While the lower crop has raised concerns among orchardists, strong demand and limited supply have pushed apple prices higher, providing much-needed relief.

Growers are currently receiving ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per box on average, while premium-quality apples are fetching anywhere between ₹3,000 and ₹3,500 per box.

Rohru-based apple grower said that although the crop has been disappointing this year, the strong prices have helped compensate for the reduced production.

“The yield is much lower, but the market is rewarding growers with better rates,” he said.

Private Buyers Driving Competition

The positive price trend is not limited to traditional fruit markets. Private companies purchasing apples directly from growers are also offering attractive rates.

Some companies and smaller procurement firms are paying between ₹130 and ₹145 per kilogram, substantially higher than last year’s opening rates.

A fruit procurement company owner in Rohru said that while his firm started purchases at ₹92 per kg last year, it is offering around ₹130 per kg this season due to the limited availability of apples.

Reliance is reportedly paying up to ₹145 per kg for top-quality produce, reflecting the strong demand for premium fruit.

Attention Turns to High-Altitude Orchards

Harvesting in many higher-altitude apple belts is yet to begin, and growers are closely watching how the season unfolds in those regions. Their production will play a crucial role in determining the final crop estimates for the state.

Meanwhile, attention is also shifting toward large storage-based buyers , which typically procure apples for controlled-atmosphere storage and later sale. Industry sources indicate that procurement may begin later than usual this year because the varieties typically purchased for storage are not yet ready for harvest.

Growers Hope High Rates Continue

With production down sharply across the state, apple growers are hoping that the current price trend continues throughout the season. Many believe that if major procurement companies enter the market with competitive rates, farmers could recover a significant portion of the losses caused by the reduced crop.

For now, although the orchards may be yielding fewer apples, the strong market has given growers reason to remain optimistic during what could otherwise have been a very difficult season.