In upper Shimla, India, apple and stone fruit growers are experiencing significant challenges due to prolonged hot and dry weather conditions. The apple orchards are witnessing an unusually high rate of fruit dropping and yellowing of plants in June, a critical growth period. Similarly, the development of stone fruits like cherries and apricots is being compromised by the sustained high temperatures. The absence of anticipated rainfall before the monsoon season is exacerbating concerns about potential further damage to the fruit yield.
Local apple growers from major cultivation areas, including Baghi and Rohru, report abnormal fruit dropping rates and stress-induced yellowing of apple plants, attributing these issues to the lack of soil moisture and the ongoing heatwave conditions. The situation is particularly dire for young plantations, with many growers unable to protect saplings from drying out, posing a significant setback in terms of both time and financial investment.
Experts and growers are advocating for immediate measures to mitigate the impact of these extreme weather conditions on the horticulture sector. Suggestions include adopting mulching techniques to preserve soil moisture and refraining from applying nutrients during this stressful period. There is a consensus on the need for a collaborative effort among the department of horticulture, scientists, and fruit growers to devise a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the apple industry from climatic fluctuations, emphasizing the urgency of adapting to the changing environmental conditions to ensure the sustainability of fruit cultivation in the region.
Source: tribuneindia.com