Early snowfall devastates apple orchards in Lahaul valley

Farmers in Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh are facing heavy economic losses as early and heavy snowfall over the past two days has damaged apple orchards that were ripe for harvest. The untimely snowfall has not only flattened the orchards but also disrupted transportation, halting the movement of both harvested apples and other produce like potatoes.

The snow-laden apple trees, already burdened with fruit, buckled under the added weight, causing considerable damage across the region. More than 20 panchayats in the Pattan valley have reported significant damage, leaving the farming community in distress.

Ramesh Rulba, former chairman of the Zila Parishad, Lahaul and Spiti, described the situation as a "double whammy" for local farmers. “Earlier this year, we suffered losses to our vegetable crops which rotted in the fields due to prolonged road blockages. We were hopeful the apple crop would fetch good prices and help us recover, but this snowfall has shattered those hopes,” said Rulba.

According to Rulba, it takes years to cultivate apple orchards. Their destruction has left farmers devastated.

Veena Devi, chairperson of the Zila Parishad, confirmed adverse impact on apple orchards across Lahaul valley. “Farmers were unable to transport the harvested apples and potatoes due to blocked roads. This has adversely affected their income,” she said.

Key routes in the region like Koksar-Losar, Udaipur-Tindi and Darcha-Shinkula along the Manali-Leh highway beyond Darcha towards Leh remained blocked for the third day. Several carrier vehicles are stranded at Darcha, awaiting the reopening of the Manali-Leh route to proceed towards Leh.

This early snowfall, uncommon at this time of year, has exposed the vulnerability of high-altitude farming communities to extreme weather. Farmers have appealed to the state government for immediate relief and long-term support to recover from the dual blows of crop and infrastructure loss.