Due to extreme weather, Himachal Pradesh’s crop output would drop by 50%, driving up apple prices

The bad news for Himachal Pradesh farmers and apple enthusiasts is that apple prices will increase as a consequence of lower yield this year. The biggest reason for worry is the damage that the torrential rains and late snowfalls have done to the apple crop. Particularly in Himachal Pradesh, experts forecast a startling 50% loss in apple production.

Even if the area under cultivation has increased over the previous ten years, the unfavourable weather, including torrential rains, hailstorms, cloudbursts, and late snowfall, has had a disastrous impact on apple output. The apple crop area was estimated to be 1,01,485 hectares in 2010, but it will now be 1,14,646 hectares in 2020.

The quality of the apple harvest is anticipated to suffer as a result of these difficulties. Apple prices would definitely climb significantly as a result of this sad circumstance, with an increase of between 30 and 60 percent from prior years predicted. Consumers should expect a higher average price range of Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,800 per box this year compared to last year, when a box of apples typically cost between Rs 1200 and Rs 1400.

At a pitiful 7-8 metric tonnes (MT), the present output of apples per acre in Himachal Pradesh is depressingly low. The goal of sophisticated horticultural countries like New Zealand, in sharp contrast, is to produce 70 MT of yield per hectare. This stark disparity emphasises the need for Himachal Pradesh to employ cutting-edge methods and tools in order to increase apple output.

The Indian government recently decreased the import tariff on apples coming from the United States, adding to the difficulties experienced by apple farmers. Local farmers are worried since the tariff was reduced from 70% to 50%. They worry that this action will cause the market for their premium apple product to become smaller as a result of an increase in apple imports from the US.

Government officials are encouraging swift action by researching the effects of shifting weather patterns on apple production. They emphasise the need of putting in place the right technology to lessen the negative impact of climatic conditions on apple growing. The protection of apple growers’ interests and the continuation of Himachal Pradesh’s robust apple sector depend on this proactive approach.

Himachal Pradesh, which is well-known for its beautiful apple orchards, has long been a prominent producer of apples in India. Himachal Pradesh alone produces more than 26% of the 2.4 million metric tonnes of apples produced nationwide. The difficulties the state’s apple crop is facing have a significant impact on both the regional and global economies.