Less snow leaves Himachal apple growers dissatisfied

Shimla, February 20

After the Weather Department had issued a red alert for snowfall in several districts of the state, orchardists were hopeful that the apple producing areas may get the required amount of snow and rain. However, they were dissatisfied over the recent spell of light to moderate snowfall and rainfall that was not as per their expectations.

Say snow needed during dec, January

• Apple Growers Association president said that the recent snow and rain spell was not up to their expectations. For a better yield of apple, snowfall was required during December and January, but the state did not receive enough snow.
• “The fresh spell of snowfall had indeed given some hope to the orchardists,” he said.

Sohan Thakur, president of the Apple Growers Association, said that the recent snow and rain spell was not up to their expectations. He added that for a better yield of apple, snowfall was required during December and January, but the state did not receive enough snow. “The fresh spell of snowfall had indeed given some hope to the orchardists, but the apple belts did not receive the required amount of snow,” he said.

Vinay Singh, Director, Department of Horticulture, said that the current spell was good for the apple crop as well as stone fruit. “At present, the plantation season is going on and it will continue till March. Snowfall and rainfall will be beneficial for the survival of newly planted trees,” he added.

He said, “The state had witnessed a prolonged dry spell. It then received snow, providing a major relief to the orchardists. This snow and rain spell has also brought down temperatures, which will provide the required chilling hours for the crop.”

Himachal Pradesh Fruits Vegetable and Flower Growers Association president Harish Chauhan said that though the amount of snowfall and rainfall was not as per their expectations, it would definitely benefit the crop. “If this weather persists, we can expect a much better crop yield and quality,” he added.