Climatic variations sour Himachal’s apple bounty
Acclaimed for their perfect balance of crispness and sweetness, apples from Himachal Pradesh have suffered a decline in taste and yield in recent years, largely due to climatic variations. These changes have impacted both the quality and productivity of the crop, with apple output fluctuating between four to eight metric tonnes per hectare (MTPH), a matter of growing concern when compared to major apple-producing nations and neighbouring states.
Growers, already burdened by rising marketing costs, are now grappling with environmental unpredictability that has hit the backbone of Himachal’s Rs 5,000-crore apple economy, which contributes significantly to the state’s gross domestic product. According to scientists from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, a complex mix of environmental, agronomic and management-related factors are at the root of this crisis.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Dr Rajeshwar Chandel, said weather patterns — largely beyond human control — are having a profound impact on apple productivity. “One of the key concerns is the inadequate accumulation of chilling hours during winter, which disrupts bud break and leads to uneven flowering. Erratic rainfall and frequent hailstorms during the flowering season further impair pollination and fruit set,” he explained. He also noted low temperatures during these critical phases reduce honeybee activity, thereby limiting effective pollination.
Apples account for about 49 per cent of the area under fruit cultivation and approximately 85 per cent of all fruit production in Himachal Pradesh. Currently, apples are grown across nine of the state’s twelve districts. From a modest 400 hectares under cultivation in 1950-51, apple farming has expanded to 1,15,680 hectares by 2023.
In addition to climate-related problems, several agronomic shortcomings are contributing to reduced yields. A major, yet often overlooked, factor is the inadequate planting of polliniser varieties. Most orchards fail to maintain the recommended 30-33 per cent of compatible cultivars essential for successful pollination. “Nutrient management is also suboptimal, with fertilisers frequently applied without soil or leaf testing, resulting in imbalanced nutrition,” said Dr Chandel.
He expressed concern over the declining tendency among growers to regularly visit their orchards, noting an increasing over-dependence on Nepalese labourers who often receive instructions remotely via telephone.
Another constraint is the reliance on seasonal rains, particularly during dry spells in April-June and September-November. Even when fertilisers are applied correctly, lack of moisture during these critical months restricts nutrient uptake.
Poor canopy management is another critical problem. Inadequate pruning and training lead to overcrowded canopies, which limit light penetration and negatively impact both fruit quality and quantity. Recurring outbreaks of diseases — such as premature defoliation, Alternaria leaf spot and root rot — as well as pests like mites and borers, have further weakened tree health and productivity.
To counter these challenges and improve yields, scientists advocate several strategic interventions. Increasing the proportion of regular-bearing and polliniser cultivars, either through new plantations or top-working, can enhance productivity. “Adopting scientific soil and nutrient management practices, backed by regular soil and leaf analysis, is vital. We also recommend soil moisture conservation techniques to offset the effects of dry spells,” said Dr Chandel.
Transitioning to high-density planting with location-specific cultivars on clonal rootstocks can help optimise land use and resource efficiency. The university has recorded substantial productivity gains in its high-density plantation trials under both conventional and natural farming methods. “Proper canopy management and judicious pruning are crucial for better light distribution within orchards,” noted the scientist.
An integrated pest and disease management programme, including adherence to recommended spray schedules, is also essential for sustaining orchard health and yields.
Additionally, Dr Chandel stressed the need to embrace natural farming practices to boost profitability by reducing input costs. The high-density plantation trials conducted by the university have demonstrated a significant leap in yields — registering between 40 to 60 MTPH, compared to the state’s average of six to eight MTPH.
Himachal Tribune