High-velocity winds and hailstones have impacted apple and stone fruit growers across Shimla and Kinnaur districts in India. The intense storm also damaged houses and vehicles.
Fruit growers reported damage due to the storm and hailstones. Trees were uprooted, and houses and vehicles suffered damage. Jagat Singh Negi, Minister for Revenue and Horticulture, stated, "Fruit growers have suffered significant damage at many places due to the storm and hailstones. At many places, trees have been uprooted, and houses and vehicles have been damaged. We will assess the damage caused by the storm."
In the Kotgarh area, plum trees at lower elevations were affected. A grower mentioned, "Much of the fruit has fallen off the trees. There's hardly any fruit left on the trees. All our effort has gone to waste."
Deepak Singha, president of the Stone Fruit Growers Association, noted the Santa Rosa plum variety was particularly impacted due to its sensitivity to storms and hailstones. "The other stone fruits, like cherries and apricots, have not been hit so much," he said. Stone fruit comprises about 10% of the state's fruit economy.
Apple growers also faced damage in certain areas. In Nankhari, high-density orchards were flattened, and anti-hail nets were damaged. Harish Chauhan, president of the Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers Growers Association, remarked, "Several apple growers have suffered massive damage in the apple growing districts. The government should take serious steps to assist the growers."
Source: The Tribune