The apple industry in Himachal Pradesh, often called the “Apple State of India,” is facing a challenging season. Reports indicate that losses in key production areas may reach 70 percent.
According to local news from The Times of India, apple growers in regions like Kullu, Shimla, Kinnaur, and parts of Mandi are struggling due to severe damage in their orchards. Factors such as insufficient chilling hours, sudden temperature changes, frosts, hailstorms, and unseasonal rains have negatively impacted flowering, pollination, and the setting of fruit.
Harish Chauhan, the President of the Himachal Pradesh Fruit, Vegetable, and Flower Growers Association, noted that these weather issues began to affect the orchards as early as winter. He described the destruction as unprecedented in several mid- and low-altitude regions.
Traditional apple varieties hit hard
The extent of damage differs across regions and apple varieties. While higher-altitude areas like Kinnaur fared relatively better, lower-elevation spots have seen losses of up to 80 percent. Traditional varieties like Royal Delicious and Red Delicious have been among the hardest hit, while the Gala variety has shown better adaptability to extreme weather conditions.
Data from the Shimla meteorological center, as reported by The Times of India, revealed that districts like Kullu and Mandi experienced heatwaves in early March, followed by extreme cold and snowfall. Temperature shifts during this time ranged from over 86°F to below 50°F very quickly.
Hailstorms between March and May added to the problems faced by growers from Kullu to Shimla. Local farmer Shashi Bhushan Thakur shared, “This year, my apple production is almost half compared to last season.”
It’s important to note that the apple industry in Himachal Pradesh constitutes more than 77 percent of the state’s overall fruit production.
*All images are for illustration purposes only.
