From Crisis to Cultivation: Himachal’s Apple Revolution in 2025
A Season of Triumph Amid Turmoil
2025 will be remembered not just for its challenges, but for how Himachal Pradesh turned adversity into opportunity. Torrential rains, landslides, and blocked roads threatened to derail the apple season—but the State Government, led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, responded with grit and grace. His farmer-first policies and transparent governance helped the horticulture sector not only survive but thrive.
Record-Breaking Apple Harvest
Despite nature’s fury, apple growers saw their most successful season ever. Roads were swiftly restored, ensuring that apples reached markets on time. By October 3rd, over 2.6 crore apple boxes had been traded—an astonishing 43% increase from the previous year. Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi buzzed with demand, where premium Royal Delicious apples fetched ₹2,300 per 20-kg box, and Golden Delicious sold for ₹1,200, showcasing the unmatched quality and trust in Himachal’s produce.
Support That Made a Difference
Under the Market Intervention Scheme, the HPMC procured a record 83,788 metric tonnes of apples, offering crucial financial relief to thousands of growers. Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi emphasized that the government’s top priority was the welfare of fruit growers—ensuring fair prices, smooth transport, and efficient market operations.
Empowering Farmers Through Innovation
The State’s long-term vision for horticulture is bearing fruit—literally. Through the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, ₹25 crore was allocated (with ₹22.5 crore from the Centre), and ₹14.5 crore was disbursed directly to farmers. These funds supported:
- Expansion of fruit, vegetable, spice, and flower cultivation
- Mushroom farming and protected greenhouses
- Anti-hail nets, cold storage, and food processing units
These initiatives have introduced modern technology to traditional farming, boosting productivity and quality while opening new market avenues.
