सेब

Cold wave and snowfall are wreaking havoc in the country. But, apple production in the country may decline considerably due to less rain and snowfall than last year. According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain-snowfall in the coming days. However, it is not conducive for the apple to complete its chilling period. There is a very bad news for apple farmers. Apple yields in India are expected to decline this year due to below-average rainfall and snowfall. This can pose a big challenge for apple growers. In fact, apple producing states like Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have received almost no snowfall this time. Because of this, farmers are very worried.

Even after more than a week in the month of January, there has been no rain in these states. There is no sign of snowfall due to lack of rain. Due to this, the apple crop is not getting the winter season as per the requirement. In this situation, experts have said that due to less snowfall, the size of the apple will be greatly affected and its sweetness will also decrease.

Huge decrease in apple production expected

Horticulturists say that if there is no rain and snowfall on a few days,apple yields can decline by 20 to 25 percent. Due to the decline in apple yield, the price of apple can also increase significantly. It is being said that due to lack of rain, moisture has disappeared from the land. As a result, apple plants are not getting enough moisture. According to experts, a minimum chilling period of 800 to 1000 hours is required for the growth of apple plants. But, due to lack of rain and snowfall, the chilling period has not been completed. In such a situation, apple yields are likely to be affected significantly.

Also read: This state government is giving 50% percent subsidy to farmers on apple cultivation, apply soon

Farmers are also praying to God for rain and snowfall

If we take a look at Himachal Pradesh, the farmers here are also disappointed due to lack of rain and snowfall. As a result of lack of rain and snowfall in the state, the apple business worth Rs 5500 crore is facing a lot of crisis. Because, the snowfall has not started yet, due to which the process of chilling period has not even started. This has increased the concern of thousands of gardeners in the state. In such a situation, gardeners are praying to the gods and goddesses for rain and snowfall.

What message has IMD given about rain?

Apples are an extremely tasty crop. Apart from Himachal Pradesh, apple is also cultivated on a large scale in Uttarakhand. There are apple orchards in about 25 thousand hectare area, which produces about 67 thousand tonnes of apples every year. Farmers grow apples in districts like Uttarkashi, Nainital, Champawat, Chamoli, Dehradun, Bageshwar and Almora. Also, pulum, pear and apricots are also cultivated by farmers in these areas. This is the reason that the farmers here are very upset due to lack of rain and snowfall. Farmers say that if there is no rain and snowfall, it will destroy their crops. Also, according to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain-snowfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the next few days.

The Central Government took an important decision for the benefit of the farmers of Himachal Pradesh.

In the year 2021, the Central Government had purchased apples directly from farmers in Jammu and Kashmir under the Market Intervention Scheme. Due to this the farmers did not have to face much loss. Thus they got the right price for their crop. This is the reason why the farmers of Himachal have now demanded the Central Government to start purchasing apples. There is good news for the apple producing farmers of Himachal Pradesh. On the demand of Himachal Pradesh Government, the Central Government has constituted a committee to purchase apples through NAFED. This committee will review the demand of Himachal government. At the same time, after this a report will be submitted to the Central Government. It is being said that on the basis of the report, the Central Government can take a decision to procure apple from the farmers through NAFED like paddy and wheat. With this, farmers will be able to get a good price for apples.

Loss of apple crop in Himachal Pradesh

This year, apple crops have suffered a lot in Himachal Pradesh. Due to excessive rains, many apple orchards were hit by landslides. This has caused huge financial loss to the farmers. Also, due to untimely rains, apple fruits also rotted on the trees. Due to this also production has been greatly affected. Apart from this, many roads got destroyed due to rain in Himachal Pradesh. This is the reason why apples are not able to reach the markets from the orchards on time.

Also read: Restrictions on export of Apples below a certain cost 

A committee has been constituted by The central government

Local farmers of the state say that firstly the weather has ruined the crop. Now the right price of apples is not available in the market. Due to this they are incurring huge losses. Now in such a situation, the Central Government should also directly purchase apples from farmers on the lines of paddy and wheat. This is the reason that on the demand of farmers, Himachal government has demanded the Center to start purchasing apples through NAFED. After this the central government formed a committee.

What is the percentage share of Himachal Pradesh?

After Kashmir, maximum apple production is done in Himachal Pradesh. It ranks second in India in terms of apple production. Himachali apple is supplied not only in the country but also in the neighboring country Nepal. The main thing is that Himachal Pradesh accounts for 25 percent of the total apples produced in India.