Himachal’s Apple Orchards in Peril: Unpredictable Weather Threatens Production

In recent years, health consciousness among Indians has been on the rise. With an increasing focus on fitness and nutrition, more people are incorporating fruits into their daily diets—particularly apples, which are celebrated for their health benefits. However, a looming crisis in apple production could make this nutritious fruit less accessible to consumers in 2025.

Climate Change Casts a Shadow Over Apple Yield

The famous saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” might soon become harder to follow as apple production in Himachal Pradesh faces a serious challenge. The state’s apple orchards, a lifeline for its economy and a staple in Indian households, are bearing the brunt of erratic weather. Experts predict that unfavorable climatic conditions will lead to a decline in apple yield this year, pushing up market prices and making apples costlier for consumers.

A ₹5,000 Crore Industry at Risk

Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry is valued at over ₹5,000 crore, with its produce supplying markets across the country. However, shifting weather patterns in recent years have taken a toll on production. While heavy snowfall in the higher-altitude regions initially raised hopes of meeting the necessary “chilling hours” for apple cultivation, rising temperatures could disrupt this crucial process, potentially leading to another year of poor harvests.

Declining Numbers: The Impact of Poor Weather

The horticulture department initially projected apple production for 2024-25 at 2.91 crore boxes. However, actual production in 2024 fell significantly short, totaling just 2.09 crore boxes—82 lakh boxes below estimates. The primary cause? Insufficient rainfall and snowfall during the winter of 2023, which failed to provide the required chilling hours. This resulted in uneven flowering and poor fruit setting, with summer drought further affecting apple size and quality.

Regional Contributions to Apple Production

Despite the challenges, Himachal’s apple-growing districts continue to play a significant role in production. In 2024, the horticulture department had projected the following contributions:

• Shimla: 1.60 crore boxes
• Kullu: 62.70 lakh boxes
• Kinnaur: 33.32 lakh boxes
• Mandi: 24.47 lakh boxes
• Chamba: 5.98 lakh boxes
• Sirmaur: 3.09 lakh boxes
• Lahaul-Spiti: 64,050 boxes
• Kangra: 15,000 boxes
• Solan: 4,900 boxes
• Bilaspur: 1,300 boxes
• Hamirpur: 350 boxes
• Una: 50 boxes

The Role of Horticulture in Himachal’s Economy

Horticulture remains a cornerstone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, contributing nearly ₹6,000 crore annually. Apples dominate the state’s horticultural landscape, covering 85% of the total 2.36 lakh hectares dedicated to fruit cultivation. Over the decades, apple farming has expanded from a modest 400 hectares in 1950-51 to an impressive 1.16 lakh hectares in 2023-24.

The Science of Chilling Hours

Apple trees require specific chilling hours—periods of cold temperature crucial for healthy flowering and fruit development. Dr. Uttam Parashar, a horticulture expert, highlights the varying needs of different apple varieties:

• Red Delicious: 1,200 chilling hours
• Royal Apples: 1,000-1,100 hours
• Spur Varieties: 800-900 hours
• Gala Apples: 700-800 hours

Similarly, stone fruits like plums, apricots, pears, grapes, and cherries require anywhere from 300 to 1,200 chilling hours, emphasizing the importance of stable winter conditions.

Rising Temperatures Disrupt Chilling Period

December 2024 witnessed an unusually severe cold spell, providing a promising start to the chilling period—a rarity over the past two decades. However, January’s unexpected dry spell, marked by a lack of rain and snowfall, has sparked fresh concerns among apple growers. If temperatures continue to rise, the state’s orchards could face yet another disappointing harvest.

The Road Ahead

With apple production facing an uncertain future, experts stress the need for adaptive farming techniques, government support, and sustainable agricultural practices to combat climate change’s impact. For now, consumers should brace for potential price hikes, as the humble apple becomes a pricier commodity in the coming year.