Pallavi
North News
Shimla, November 23
Himachal Pradesh’s apple production dipped by 13,000 metric tons this year, totaling 418,000 metric tons in 2024, down from 431,000 metric tons in 2023, according to official figures. Officials attribute the decline to multiple factors, including aging orchards, soaring input costs, and climate change. Erratic weather patterns, fungal diseases, and a shift among some farmers to alternative, more profitable crops have also contributed to the reduction.
Apples are a cornerstone of Himachal Pradesh’s agricultural economy, and the drop in output underscores the need for adaptive strategies to sustain production amid changing environmental and economic conditions.
Despite reforms, the state’s apple production continues its decade-long decline. The peak harvest of 892,000 metric tons in 2010-11 remains unmatched. The apple season, which runs from June 27 to October 25, saw production drop to 4.84 lakh metric tons (LMT) in 2023, a 28% decrease from the 6.72 LMT harvested in 2022. Despite the decline, the area under apple cultivation increased from 115,016 hectares in 2022 to 115,680 hectares in 2023. Apples account for 49% of the state’s fruit crop area and 82.5% of its total fruit production, the official sources said.
However, reforms in packaging brought some relief to farmers. Himachal Pradesh has implemented universal cartons for apple packaging this year, replacing telescopic cartons as part of a government initiative to improve transparency and efficiency. Last year, 17.99 million telescopic cartons were used for apple production. In 2024, the adoption of universal cartons increased the count to 20.93 million, a rise of nearly 2.9 million boxes.
With a fixed capacity of 20-23 kilograms, the universal cartons eliminated overpacking issues and ensured fairer pricing for farmers, marking a significant step in modernizing the state’s apple packaging standards. “Farmers secured better prices this season as the universal cartons aligned weights with rates, unlike last year’s system, which under valued larger boxes,” the official said.
Recently, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ rights and enhancing apple yields. He underscored the importance of adopting high-density plantations and advanced farming techniques to combat declining per-hectare productivity. “With changing weather patterns, it is imperative for both the government and farmers to adapt swiftly to sustain Himachal’s apple economy,” Negi told the media.
However, Farmers emphasize the need for coordinated efforts between state and central governments to counter climate impacts, reduce import pressures, and secure the future of the apple industry.
