Monsoon fury brings financial loss for Himachal Pradesh's apple growers

Apple trees in the region typically flower around April, bearing fruit within 100-110 days

For apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, constituting a significant part of the country's fruit industry, the unrelenting heavy rains since July have led to distress and substantial financial losses.

The initial rainfall in July interrupted fruit plucking and growth, and this disruption was compounded by more intense downpours in recent days that have further aggravated the damage.

Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveal that between June 1 and August 15 this year, Himachal Pradesh experienced 732.1 millimetres of rainfall, 45 per cent more than the usual amount. On August 15 alone, the state was hit by 22.1 millimetres