Harish Chauhan, an apple grower from Rohru, Shimla, reports a significant decline in apple production, attributing this to climate change. He notes a reduction in output to 2,500 boxes from previously higher numbers and mentions a three-fold increase in production costs. Chauhan points out the shift in the apple belt 1,000 ft higher in the mountains and the need for apple crops to experience 1,200-1,500 hours at 7 degrees Celsius, a condition increasingly difficult to meet due to climate change. The alteration in snowfall patterns, which affects tourism during Christmas and New Year, is also highlighted.
The impact of climate change on fruit production extends beyond apples, affecting apricots, plums, and cherries, with a noted preference for imported fruit varieties among consumers. Despite a slight increase in the country's fruit production from 107 million tons in 2021-22 to 108 million tons in 2022-23, the challenges posed by climate change, alongside issues in transport and storage infrastructure, remain significant. Experts suggest that addressing these challenges could mitigate hunger and malnutrition while reducing carbon emissions.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com