Poor monsoon affects Himachal apples

Farmers of Himachal Pradesh are a worried lot as the apple crop of the state are facing a poor monsoon.

The sun burn of the apple fruit skin, poor growth and shine of the fruit have already begun to affect orchards in the low- and- middle hills where the crop matures first.

"Sun burn, poor size and shine result in low returns for farmers. Apple is a labour-intensive trade and thus it is becoming difficult for us to make our both ends meet," said a farmer.

"If the rains don't come soon the fruit skin will continue to ruin. Besides, the dry spell will not aid fruit development and shine, causing huge losses to farmers," said Lekh Raj Chauhan, president of the state apple growers' association.

"July is the season of rain, fog and occasional sunshine, but this time it is only the sun which is harming the standing crop," Chauhan told Business Standard today.

Apple harvest began in early July in the lower elevations and the crop has started reaching the markets across the country for sale, but farmers have begun to complain of lower returns.

The harvest ends in early October when it is harvested in the highest orchards where it matures last.

According to estimates a couple of months ago a poor crop was expected this year following a dry winter.

But the state horticulture department revised its estimate last week saying now a normal crop is expected, but the scanty rains could further upset the crop estimates.

Himachal Pradesh's apple economy is estimated to be about Rs 1500 to Rs 1800 crore and is its largest cash crop.

The state accounts for a third of the entire country's production.

The rest is produced by neighbouring Jammu & Kashmir but is considered poorer in quality as compared to Himachal.