Apple production is likely to be affected due to the lack of rain and snowfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The first week of January has passed, but till now there has been neither rain nor sufficient snowfall. If the apple does not get the required cool environment, its size will decrease and sweetness will also reduce. Experts say that if there is no rain and snowfall soon, the production may decrease by 20 to 25 percent.
Chakrata apple-producing areas of Uttarakhand are Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Nainital, Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat, and Dehradun. This year, the concern is not only about apples but also about all the temperate fruits like pears, plums, apricots, etc. Due to the lack of rain, plants are not getting enough moisture from the ground. Apple requires a chilling period of about 800 to 1000 hours to flourish. At present, apple orchards are planted in more than 25 thousand hectares of area in the state.
Business worth Rs 5500 crore is in danger
In Himachal Pradesh too, the apple business worth Rs 5500 crore is in danger due to a lack of rain and snowfall. Due to the lack of snow, the chilling process of the plants has not started. Due to this, lakhs of gardeners of the state are now going to the gods and goddesses and praying for rain. In Himachal Pradesh, Bada Dev Kamrunag and Indranag are considered to be the gods of rain. Whenever there are such changes in the weather, people take shelter in them.
People's opinion
Those guarding the gardens say that if there is no rain and snowfall soon, their crops will be ruined. This will worsen their financial condition. He has demanded the government to solve this problem as soon as possible. According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain and snowfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the next few days. But, if there is not enough rain and snowfall during this period, apple production may be adversely affected.
(PC: Freepik)
