Apple orchardists stare at losses for second year in row due to inclement weather
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TNR Desk
After the massive losses caused by rain devastation in 2023, apple orchardists are gripped by anxiety and apprehension this year as well as adverse weather conditions persist in Himachal Pradesh.
From apple growers to ‘arhtiyas’ (commission agents) to transporters and private store operators, all are concerned about the sudden shift in weather pattern. Leave apart this year’s profits, the worry centres on whether the losses and debts incurred last year can be recuperated. Compounding the issue, the current situation entails a significant loss as stored apples are selling in the range of Rs 800-1,000 per box (Rs 40-50 per kg).
Major losses in 2023
Following the natural disaster of 2023, over half of Himachal’s apple crop was damaged. As a result, the earnings of orchardists fell short of covering their expenses. There was a brief surge in apple prices initially, but this proved short-lived due to poor crop quality. Those anticipating higher returns by keeping apple in cold storage facilities for subsequent sale faced even greater losses due to steep fall in prices.
Despite setbacks, orchardists and other stakeholders in the industry were hopeful of better weather conditions in the current fruit season. But once again in Himachal, the weather has taken a turn at the wrong time and unseasonal rains have started destroying the flowering and setting of the fruits. At this time in Himachal when the temperature should have been around 24 degrees Celsius, the mercury is settling at about 10 degrees lesser.
Hail, rain hit fruit flowering
These days, flowering phase is going on in apple orchards in middle and higher hills. But due to cold weather triggered by continuous rain and hailstorm, the apple crop has been damaged in several parts of the state. In places where there was no hail net, the leaves of trees along with fruit flowers were damaged by hail.
Along with rain, changes in temperature are also affecting the crops and bees are not able to pollinate properly. Lack of proper flowering has a deep impact on production and this remains a matter of concern not only for orchardists but also for private companies operating procurement centres. The Meteorological Department has predicted more adverse weather for the next few days and has predicted the possibility of lightning and snow in isolated parts.
