After floods led to huge losses, Himachal Pradesh fruit and vegetable growers are considering taking out huge loans for the next crop cycle. Floods and incessant rain in July not only damaged the infrastructure of the state but also affected the quality and quantity of crops such as apple, plum, pear, tomato, cauliflower, beans, capsicum, chilli, cabbage, eggplant, peas and broccoli, causing huge losses.
In the case of fruit, crop quality was badly affected, forcing growers to sell their produce at a lower price. Royal variety apple prices are now quoted at ₹30-50 a kg, against the normal price of ₹60-70 per kg in key wholesale markets of Kullu, Manali, Lahual and Mandi, according to traders.
Vegetables are no exception. Farmers are clearing their remaining small stocks in fear of further losses ahead of the new season.
[ ₹100 = €1.10 ]
Source: livemint.com
