In India, a prolonged dry spell is raising concerns among Shimla's apple growers regarding crop output. Traditional apple varieties require 1,200 to 1,600 cooling hours below 7 degrees Celsius, while early varieties need 600 hours. This season, these conditions have not been met, according to Harish Chauhan, President of the Fruit Vegetable Flower Growers Association. About 90% of the state's apple orchardists still cultivate traditional varieties, with the remainder adopting high-density plantations.
Chauhan noted, "Snow during winter months also kills insects and diseases but we are witnessing a one-month shift in weather for the past three years which has affected apple production." Meteorological expert Sandeep Sharma reported a rain deficit of 97% in October, 99% in November, and 84% in January, marking the ninth lowest since 1901. Overall, the post-monsoon season (October to December) saw a 41% rain deficit, except for December, which had a 21% excess. From February 1 to 9, the deficit was 38%, with 16.2 mm of precipitation against a normal of 26.3 mm.
Sujaat Chauhan, an apple orchardist, emphasized that temperatures below 7 degrees are crucial for chilling, varying with latitude. Rising temperatures can harm apple production, and early spouting in low hills may affect yield. Sushil Dhalta, another grower, mentioned halted new plantations due to dry conditions. Rajhubeer, a farmer, expressed hopes for rain and snow in February for peas crop sowing.
Former Shimla deputy mayor Tikender Panwar urged the government to consider declaring the state "drought-affected" and implement necessary protocols to address the drought crisis.
Source: Millenium Post