Apple Production Declines In Himachal
Himachal This Week, Shimla
Apple production is expected to decline for the second consecutive year in Himachal Pradesh. This estimate stems from the fact that apple season is almost over in low hill areas and almost halfway mark in mid Himalayan areas of the state. Still apple season has not picked up the pace in different fruit markets as it used to do in August month. About 13 lakh apple boxes have reached in different fruit markets until now. However, last year more than 14 lakh apple boxes had hit the market during the same period. It is expected that apple production will decline this year also. The apple production was about 2.34 crore boxes in 2016. The horticulture department is expecting apple production figure to be less than 2.50 crore boxes this year also. Notably, apple production was highest in 2015 when a production of about 3.88 crore apple boxes was recorded. However, the good part is that orchardists are fetching good price for their produce in fruit markets as compared to low price in the beginning of apple season. But prices jumped in apple market as soon as apple from mid Himalayan belt reached fruit markets. The prices are expected to rise further in coming days.
Inclement Weather Hitting Hard
Inclement weather conditions have started proving heavy on orchardists further leading to decline in apple production. This year too better setting could not be achieved in apple plants due to cold weather prevailing during flowering and setting time. Hailstorm also inflicted heavy damage to apple crop in Shimla and Mandi districts.
Fetching Good Price
Orchardists are getting good price for their produce in fruit markets. Royal apple variety is selling for Rs. 1800 to Rs. 2300 per box while spur apple variety is fetching Rs. 2200 to Rs. 2800 per box in the market. The spur apple variety fetched a price of Rs. 3400 to Rs. 3500 in the beginning of the apple season.
Apple Production Figures
Year Apple Boxes Production (in crores)
2012 2.06
2013 3.69
2014 3.12
2015 3.88
2016 2.34
2017 Less than 2.5 crore (estimated)
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