Overwhelmed by end of dry spell, Shimla apple orchardist bathes in snow in -3 degrees Celsius, video goes viral on social media
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The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: In a heartwarming display of celebration amidst the winter wonderland of Himachal Pradesh, a video capturing an apple orchardist taking a refreshing ice bath has gone viral on social media. The footage showcases the orchardist from Chirgaon in Rohru sub-division of Shimla district joyfully immersing himself in the freshly fallen snow, despite the chilling temperature plummeting to -3 degrees Celsius.
Undeterred by the cold, the orchardist enthusiastically embraced the snowfall, spending five minutes bathing amidst the apple orchard. His spirited act saw him playfully showering himself with snow from both the ground and the branches of apple trees, embodying the sheer delight brought about by the snowfall that had been eluding the state for the past two months.
The significance of the snowfall extends beyond mere pleasure for the orchardists of several districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur, where the apple industry thrives. With the state’s apple industry valued at over Rs 5,500 crore, snow serves as a crucial lifeline for chilling period, which provides essential nourishment to the orchards during the winter months.
This year had seen a dearth of snowfall until the recent 48-hour period, raising concerns among orchardists about the fate of their apple trees. However, the recent snowfall has rejuvenated hopes and spirits, evoking a wave of happiness and relief among the orchardists.
With the arrival of snow, orchardists are now poised to engage in essential agricultural activities such as apple pruning, application of cow dung and manure, and plantation of new saplings. “The snowfall not only replenishes the soil but also invigorates the landscape, setting the stage for a fruitful season ahead. Every year, at least 1,000 hours of chilling are required for apple trees,” says Sunil Chauhan, an orchardist from Rohru.
