A little over 1.36 crore apple boxes have been marketed so far from the state, with around 80 lakh boxes sold in the APMC mandis, and over 52 lakh boxes sold outside, including sales beyond state boundaries. The current season's apple yield is anticipated to barely exceed last year's production of just over two crore boxes, according to local apple growers.
Harish Chauhan, convener of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch, highlighted the challenges faced by apple growers in enhancing production and productivity. Despite the annual addition of approximately 40 to 50 lakh new plants, there has been no noticeable improvement in overall production. "Much of the crop has been harvested this season. I think around 60 to 70 lakh boxes are left behind now in Shimla district and Kinnaur. So, we will end with roughly the same production as last year," Chauhan remarked.
The peak production year was 2020, with a record 5.11 crore boxes, a figure that has remained unmatched over the past 15 years despite an expansion in the area dedicated to apple cultivation. Growers express concerns over not receiving favorable prices despite the lower production levels. The sluggish market, especially when high-quality apples from elevated orchards are available, raises questions about the market dynamics governed by supply and demand.
Source: The Tribune