Sunil Chadha
SHIMLA: Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc on Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry, with thousands of roads across Shimla, Kullu and Kinnaur districts either washed away or blocked by landslides.
The disruption has left lakhs of packed apple crates stranded in orchards and grading centres, unable to reach markets. In Shimla district alone, over 3 lakh apple boxes are stuck, while Kullu is grappling with around 40 to 45 lakh boxes still to be harvested.
With the main highway between Kullu and Mandi closed, nearly 300 vehicles carrying over 70,000 crates are stranded en route to markets. Apple growers say if roads are not restored soon, they could face losses running into crores.
Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry is worth around Rs 5,000 crore each year. A vital economic pillar for the state, it sustains the livelihoods of over 1.5 lakh families. Apple cultivation makes up nearly 85 per cent of the state’s total fruit output, cementing Himachal’s reputation as the “fruit bowl of India”.
Kinnaur begins apple season but faces early setbacks
Kinnaur, where the apple season has just begun, is already facing logistical issues. Around 8,000 to 10,000 boxes are stuck in the Tapri fruit market due to disruptions on National Highway-5. Apple harvesting in high-altitude areas of Kinnaur is yet to peak, but concerns are mounting that the fruit might rot before it reaches buyers.
The Horticulture Department has advised farmers to delay plucking until roads reopen. However, growers are anxious as prolonged delays could reduce the fruit’s market value and quality.
Growers demand urgent restoration of roads
Local orchardists across affected districts have appealed to the state government and the Public Works Department to prioritise road restoration. Growers have warned that without immediate action, the state could witness a massive economic loss in one of its most vital sectors.
Horticulture contributes more than 20 per cent to Himachal Pradesh’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and apple farming remains its backbone. The ongoing disruptions threaten not only farmer incomes but the entire supply chain — right from orchard to mandi to consumers in other states.
