Himachal Pradesh's apple economy, a critical component of the state's agricultural sector, is bracing for significant losses this year.
Drought-like conditions, driven by insufficient snowfall during winter and scant rainfall this summer, have severely impacted apple orchards and other crops alike.
Initial projections estimated a yield of over three crore apple boxes for the year; however, current assessments indicate production will fall significantly short of these expectations.
This marks the second consecutive year that adverse weather has disrupted Himachal's apple industry, valued at approximately Rs 5,000 crore. Last year, excessive rainfall from March through August was followed by a particularly dry winter from September 2023 to January 2024.
This year, a prolonged dry spell from March to June has further stressed the apple plantations.
Lokender Singh Bisht, President of the Progressive Growers Association, expressed grave concerns about the ongoing drought. "If the current conditions persist, this year's crop may be severely compromised. Our hopes now rest on the rainfall expected in July," Bisht stated.
He highlighted alarming mortality rates in young apple plantations, with 30-50% losses in some areas and even higher rates of 70-80% reported elsewhere.
Harish Chauhan, Convener of Sanyukt Kisan Manch, noted that the lack of ground moisture has caused premature fruit drop, exacerbating growers' worries.
"Climate change is increasingly evident. December snowfall has shifted to February, altering the flowering period," Chauhan observed.
Usha Sharma, a senior scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Rohru, reported that many older, diseased apple trees have succumbed to the prolonged dry conditions.
"Growers should consider mulching to help retain soil moisture and implement drip irrigation systems to ensure consistent watering," Sharma advised.
The apple industry, vital to the livelihoods of thousands in Himachal Pradesh, now awaits July rains with bated breath, hoping for a reprieve from the relentless drought.
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