Farmers in rain-battered Himachal fear massive drop in apple output

APPLE growers in Himachal Pradesh expected only 50% of their apple crop this year, but the recent heavy rains resulting in flash floods and landslides have caused much more loss. The growers now expect only 20% of the expected 50% crop this year, which is around 1.60 crore boxes.

- HARPREET BAJWA

Farmers expect approximately 30% of stone fruits crop (peach, apricot and plum) has been destroyed as already 60% was harvested. Talking to this newspaper, Harish Chauhan, convener of Sanyukt Kisan Manch said, “Such a calamity took place in 1978. The apple growers estimate that around 30% of the crop could have been totally destroyed. Many apple orchards have been washed away in Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba districts of the state.”