Horticulturists across the region said that the drop in temperature by at least 9.9 degrees Celsius in the fruit belt has adversely affected the crop. (Representational Image / Getty Images)
Orchards in Himachal Pradesh fear that with the weather becoming so erratic and extreme, and given the dependence of the fruit on favorable climatic conditions, apple cultivation may become unsustainable in the coming years.
Snowfall and hailstorm in Himachal Pradesh may cheer tourists amid the scorching heat, but the Rs 5,500-crore apple industry may suffer if the unseasonal weather continues, especially in the fruit regions of Shimla and Kinnaur.
Horticulturists across the region said that the drop in temperature by at least 9.9 degrees Celsius in the fruit belt has adversely affected the crop. Sanjay Chauhan, former Shimla mayor and horticulturist, said, “The impact of climate change is very evident and this kind of freak weather was not seen in the last four decades.”
He said that unseasonal rains and hailstorm have damaged apple trees and at some places fruit buds have also been damaged. But an optimistic Chouhan said the situation could improve once the weather clears up and the temperature rises. Recently released data by the MeT department showed that April 2023 has been the second hottest month since 2004.
Apple growers also report that they put up netting to protect their crops from hail, but this does not help in case of snow. Hemant Chauhan, an apple grower from Rohru, said, “The unpredictable weather and these measures have adversely affected the business and many apple growers are no longer finding it a profitable or reliable venture.”
Chauhan said that with the weather becoming so erratic and extreme, and given the dependence of the fruit on favorable climatic conditions, apple cultivation could become unsustainable in the coming years.
Growers say that low to medium altitude apple orchards have been badly affected by the adverse weather conditions. As far as stone fruits are concerned, it seems that plums have been hit the most, especially in Shimla and Mandi districts. Stone fruit growers say that this year ber production may be less by about 50 per cent as compared to last year.
Apple orchards below 6,500 feet in the major apple growing districts of Shimla, Kullu and Mandi have been affected to varying degrees. Experts say that an average temperature of 17 to 21 degree Celsius is required during flowering for good fruit set. But the average temperature in April has been around 11-12°C, with night temperatures dropping to 2-3°C, affecting the crop.
Even for gardens above 7,000 feet, erratic weather has been a concern. Although the crop is not yet in bloom there, gardeners are expecting it to continue. “At higher altitudes, we are expecting good fruits if the weather continues to be hot and dry. But concern remains over the erratic weather conditions,” said Himanshu Bragta, a gardener in the Jubbal area.
