Himachal’s Apple Growers Weather the Storm with Government Support and MIS Lifeline

When the monsoon arrived in Himachal Pradesh on June 20, apple growers were filled with hope for a record-breaking harvest. But as the rains lingered and intensified, optimism gave way to anxiety. Heavy downpours, landslides, and blocked roads made it nearly impossible for many farmers to get their apples to market on time. To make matters worse, the relentless weather caused leaves to fall early, leading to the spoilage of thousands of metric tons of apples.

Instead of the usual sight of crisp apple cartons heading to bustling markets, this year many farmers found themselves packing apples into sacks and selling them under the government’s Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to HPMC, the state’s fruit processing agency. By September 18, more than 58,000 metric tons of apples had been procured through MIS—already surpassing the combined total of the last two years.

A Lifeline in Difficult Times

For many apple growers, the MIS has become a much-needed safety net. Despite 373 roads—including key highways—still closed due to rain damage, HPMC has managed to keep 250 out of 274 collection centers running, ensuring that farmers have somewhere to turn. The numbers tell the story: while 52,659 metric tons of apples were procured in 2023 and 2024 combined, this year’s tally is already higher, with an average of 1,500 metric tons arriving at centers each day.

Voices from the Orchards

Growers like Rohit Chauhan have mixed feelings. “The crop was so promising this year, but the weather and road closures ruined a lot of it. If only the rains had held off, it could have been a great season for us,” he shared.

Government Steps Up

Recognizing the crisis, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured farmers that the government is doing everything possible to help. Key measures include:

• Guaranteeing a procurement price of ₹12 per kilogram for C-grade apples under MIS.
• Introducing universal cartons to ensure fair pricing and prevent exploitation.
• Running HPMC’s fruit processing plants in Parala, Parwanoo, and Jarol at full capacity, processing about 400 tons of apples daily.

A Season Regains Momentum

With the monsoon finally easing, apple harvesting has picked up speed in the hills. By September 18, over 1.85 crore apple boxes had reached markets—1.05 crore in Himachal’s own mandis and 80 lakh in other states. That’s a big leap from last year’s numbers.

Looking Ahead

This year, Himachal is expected to produce a record 3.66 crore apple boxes, with Shimla district alone contributing more than two-thirds of the total. Other districts like Kullu, Kinnaur, and Mandi are also making significant contributions.

A Decade of Ups and Downs

Apple production in Himachal has seen its share of highs and lows over the past decade, with numbers fluctuating due to weather and market changes. The recent move to standardized packaging has helped streamline the process and ensure better returns for growers.

Despite the challenges, Himachal’s apple farmers are pressing on, buoyed by government support and their own resilience. As the season continues, there’s hope that better days—and better harvests—are ahead.