In Himachal Pradesh, despite a favorable market this season, there's an undercurrent of concern among apple growers due to a decrease in annual production and shifts in horticultural practices. Official data reveals that around 2.25 crore apple boxes have reached markets, fetching initial prices between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,500 per 20-kilogram box. Local trader Narendra Thakur highlighted that the season began with prices ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per box, although there was a brief dip. This year, a significant portion of transactions utilized Paytm, with 2.15 crore transactions recorded. Within Himachal Pradesh, approximately 1.25 crore boxes were sold at temples, and another crore found markets outside the state. Thakur pointed out that the introduction of universal cartons by the government played a role in achieving higher rates for lighter boxes.
Challenges have arisen due to changes in packaging materials, affecting some traders negatively. The season is approaching its end, with about 15 days remaining, highlighting the struggles of smaller traders compared to their larger counterparts. Declining prices as the season advances have been a concern, with mid- and high-altitude farmers facing reduced benefits due to lower yields, attributed to inadequate snowfall and erratic weather. Himachal Pradesh's Horticulture Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, emphasized the need for adaptation to changing weather patterns and the adoption of high-density plantation methods to enhance production. The state, with 11 lakh hectares of agricultural land, dedicates two lakh hectares to fruit orchards, half of which is used for apple cultivation. Annually, the state produces approximately 5.5 lakh metric tons of apples, a critical component of the local economy, contributing over Rs 5,500 crore. However, this year's anticipated 40 percent drop in production raises concerns for the future of apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.
Source: babushahi