Himachal Pradesh apple growers expected to lose 50% of their harvest this year due to excessive rainfall, but flash floods and landslides have inflicted much more damage. Growers are now expecting only 20% of the estimated 50% production this year, or approximately 1.60 crore boxes.
Farmers estimate that around 30% of the stone fruit crop (peach, apricot, and plum) has been lost, with 60% already harvested. Harish Chauhan, convener of Sanyukt Kisan Manch, told this newspaper, “Such a calamity occurred in 1978.” According to apple growers, up to 30% of the harvest could have been completely destroyed. Many apple orchards have been wiped out in the state’s Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba districts.”
He stated that it is a long-term loss because the factory is no longer operational. “New plants must be installed, which takes time.” ”The size of the apple will also remain tiny this time,” he noted.”Landslides not only destroy apple orchards, but there is also the possibility of an outbreak of apple scab, a fungal disease.” The disease deforms and creates black scars on apples. The illness is expected to impact 20% of the crop, according to Chauhan.
According to him, farmers believe that there would be 1.60 crore apple boxes, as opposed to the expected 2 crore boxes. “The final figures will be released once the state government has completed its survey of our losses,” he said. According to apple growers, up to 30% of the harvest could have been completely destroyed. Many apple orchards have been wiped away in the state’s Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba districts. Stone fruit crops like peach, apricot, and plum have been wiped off. They had harvested around 60% of the crops.
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