Farmers fear huge drop in apple production in rain-hit Himachal
Chandigarh: Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh were expecting only 50% of the apple crop this year, but the recent heavy rains have resulted in heavy losses due to floods and landslides. Growers now expect to harvest only 20% of the 50% expected this year, which is about 16 million boxes.
Farmers expect about 30% of the crop of stone fruits (peaches, apricots and plums) to have been destroyed as 60% had already been harvested. Talking to this newspaper, Harish Chauhan, convenor of the United Kisan Manch, said, “Such a disaster had come in 1978. Apple growers estimate that about 30% of the crop could have been completely destroyed. Several apple orchards have been washed away in Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu and Chamba districts of the state.
He said it is a long-term loss as the plant is gone forever. “One has to plant new trees, which takes time. Also, this time the size of the apple will also be small. The disease leaves black spots on apples and disfigures them. It is estimated that 20% of the crop will be affected by this disease,” said Chauhan.
He said farmers are estimated to have around 1.60 crore apple boxes against the expectation of around 2 crore boxes. “The final figures will come out when the state government completes our damage survey,” he said, adding that the estimated 50% decline in apple crop this year would come down from 50% to 30%. “The average production is around 5 to 7 metric tonnes of apples per year,” he said.
Chouhan said the farmers’ demand that the heavy rains in the hill state should be classified as a national calamity by the Centre. “We request the state government to compensate the apple growers. We also demand that road connectivity should be restored immediately,” he said.
’30 percent crop wasted’
Apple growers estimate that about 30% of the crop may be completely destroyed. Many apple orchards have been washed away in Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu and Chamba districts of the state. Crops of stone fruits such as peaches, apricots and plums have been destroyed. He had harvested 60% of the crop.
