Bloom awaited, yet apple growers see better days

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 27

Farmers are hoping a better season this year. However, fears of hailstorms still looms over state’s apple belt comprising Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur and parts of Mandi and Chamba districts.

Though the bloom is yet to pick up in the orchards in higher-altitude areas of Shimla and Kinnaur, farmers in lower and middle altitude orchards, which account for 80 per cent of apple output, are upbeat as they have reported an average to good fruit yield compared to last year.

“Flowering has been good in the orchards of the lower belt this time, which had lean crop last year. This is a good sign,” said Rajiv Bragta, an orchardist from Maroag in Chopal subdivision. Deepak Kumar from Shantha-Dewat also aired the same views.

“Pollinators and honeybee activities aided pollination. We expect it to be a better crop year as weather has been favourable,” said Rajiv Machhan from Spail valley, one of the leading apple belts in Rohru subdivision.

It is going to be an average crop year this time as orchards in lower height have reported better crop, which had lean crop last year, while farmers in the middle height of Jubbal and Pabbar valley have kept their finger crossed, said Vineet Sarjolta, secretary Himalayan Apple Growers’ Society, Nandpur.

Meanwhile, orchards of Duinder in Chopal, Surachali and Chirgaon and Arhal in Rohru, Gohar block in Mandi have been hit by hailstorms marring the chances of a good crop.

“The bloom is in the last stage in higher orchards and so far it appears that it will be a good crop year in the valley,” said Mahender Upadhyay, president, Kullu Valley Fruit Growers’ Association.

As per initial reports, it would be an average crop year as farmers would not go for quantity but quality, said Prakash Thakur, vice-chairman, HPMC and orchardist from Kotgarh, Himachal’s oldest apple kingdom.

Dr Vijay Thakur, Vice-Chancellor, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, said:

“It is too early to assess the exact picture. In some pockets, the temperature is hovering between 15°C and 24°C. The moisture in soil has initiated cell elongation and in turn is facilitating good quality and shape of fruit at this stage. Progressive farmers now go for good quality instead of quantity to get good price in markets.”

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had recently assured farmers in Rohru that they would get ready roads for the transportation of apples and alternative route to Rohru-Hatkoti-Theog via Tikkar and Baghi would be maintained.

Additional Chief Secretary, Horticulture, Tarun Shridhar said the apple carton norms had been notified and farmers were free to choose cartons of their choice, but each carton would mention the weight it can carry. All arrangements would be made for smooth apple season, he said.