Raining worries for orchardists as April snow could impact crop

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 21 

Unseasonal snow in higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh has increased worries for the osrchardists who are now staring at a damage to their crop.

The freak weather in Northern parts of the country has pushed the mercury down much to the anxiety of farmers, particularly, apple growers.

Untimely rain that has brought along snow in the higher reaches of Kinnaur in Himachal, is unprecedented at this point, according to experts.

The snow along with dipping temperature could impact the crops, including apple, which is at a flowering stage in most parts of the mid and higher belts of Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi and Kullu districts, say farm experts.

Kinnaur MLA Jagat Singh Negi said, "It's strange that it is snowing at this time of the year. Its flowering stage for apples and snow is not good. We are worried."

“Snow is not good at flowering position, however, it’s too early to say anything. I am monitoring my crop,” said OP Negi, orchardist from Kinnaur.  

The flowering stage requires a mild temperature--neither too warm nor too cold.