Unseasonal rain batters Solan crops, raises fears of yield loss

Unseasonal and intense rainfall has dealt a significant blow to agriculture in Solan district, disrupting the rabi harvest and delaying the sowing of summer vegetable crops. The district has already recorded 73.2 mm rainfall within the first eight days of April, an excess of 70.2%, raising serious concerns among farmers and agricultural experts.

Data from the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry highlights the scale of deviation. While the long-term average rainfall for March and April stands at 68 mm and 43 mm respectively, March this year recorded 69.6 mm rainfall, marginally above normal, while April has far exceeded expected levels in a short span.

Experts warn that such erratic weather patterns could mirror the damaging conditions witnessed in 2023. Dr Satish Bhardwaj, head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the university, pointed out that in March and April 2023, rainfall had surged to 130.6 mm and 114.3 mm, respectively. This led to a sharp 28% decline in apple yield compared to the previous year, underlining the vulnerability of horticulture to extreme weather.

This year, persistently moist atmospheric conditions have further compounded the risk. Relative humidity ranged between 40-93% in March and 48-80% in April, creating a conducive environment for disease outbreaks in crops.

The underlying cause of these disruptions has been the increasing frequency of western disturbances. Long-term analysis by the university indicates a steep rise in such weather events — from 100 occurrences during 1971–1980 to 231 between 2011–2020. This trend is now posing a serious and recurring threat, particularly to fruit crops in Himachal Pradesh.

The impact on standing crops has been severe. Wheat, currently in its reproductive to maturity stage, is highly susceptible to lodging, grain shattering and diseases such as loose smut. Strong winds and hailstorms have caused physical damage, while fluctuating moisture conditions have made earheads brittle, leading to breakage and yield loss. Grain discolouration and reduced lustre are also affecting milling quality, while straw, an essential fodder resource, is deteriorating in quality.

Apple orchards have also taken a hit. In temperate and sub-temperate regions, incessant rain, low temperatures and even untimely snowfall and frost during early April have disrupted flowering and fruit setting. Excess rain can wash away pollen from the stigma, resulting in poor fruit set, physiological stress and ultimately reduced yield and quality.

The impact extends beyond cereals and fruits. Summer vegetable cultivation has been delayed due to waterlogged fields. Garlic, a key crop in the region, is particularly vulnerable at its bulbing stage, which requires relatively dry conditions. Excess moisture not only affects yield but also compromises storage quality.

With changing weather patterns becoming more frequent, farmers in Solan are facing increasing uncertainty, making climate resilience and adaptive strategies more critical than ever.