Challenging weather conditions hamper Himachal’s apple harvest
This year, apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh are facing the difficult consequences of a challenging growing season. The unpredictable weather has severely impacted the apple crop, leading to substantial losses for many growers.
Early predictions already hinted at a smaller harvest, but the erratic monsoon has further worsened the situation. The lack of sufficient snowfall and rainfall last winter deprived the apple trees of the necessary chilling hours. Consequently, when the trees were ready to flower, unstable weather and fluctuating temperatures led to poor fruit setting.
The delayed summer rains also added to the problem, affecting the size and quality of the apples. What was expected to be a modest yield has now been revised downward, with projections indicating a harvest of of around 2.9 crore boxes, significantly below the anticipated 3 crore.
Shimla district, typically the leading apple producer, is particularly affected, with an estimated production of about 1.60 crore boxes. Other districts, like Kullu and Kinnaur, are also reporting lower yields. Compared to previous years, this season’s output is considerably reduced, underscoring the tough conditions faced by farmers.
Rohit Chauhan, an apple grower from a village in Shimla, expressed his concerns, saying, “This year, 65% of my apples are D-grade due to the weather. The prices in the market are low, and it’s discouraging. Only about 35% of the crop is of good quality and can sell for around ₹3,000 per box.” The lack of snowfall, summer drought, and disease outbreaks in July have all contributed to the disappointing harvest. Many apples have also developed rust, further lowering their market value.
Officials from the Horticulture Department, confirmed the difficult outlook, noting that apple production this year is expected to be around 2.9 crore boxes. These figures reflect not just a challenging season but also the perseverance of the farmers who continue to push forward despite the obstacles.
