Dry spell, lack of snow worry Himachal apple growers

Prolonged drought and lack of snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has left apple growers and horticulture experts worried; out of fear that the apple crop could suffer significant losses in yield and production if current conditions persist.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), concerns are not unfounded as dry weather conditions are likely to prevail in the state next week. IMD’s forecast for Saturday, January 10, 2026, indicated that the minimum temperature may see a gradual increase of around two to five degrees Celsius in the next four to five days.

Sandeep Kumar Sharma, senior scientist, IMD Shimla, said: “The weather has been mostly dry in Himachal Pradesh since mid-October. In November, the state saw 95% less rain than normal and in December, rain was 99% below normal. There is almost no chance of rain or snow in the state next week too.” Hindu on Saturday.

“We are witnessing unusually dry weather conditions this winter season. There was a light snowfall in the higher elevations, but the weather was mostly dry. Dry climatic conditions are expected to continue even next week,” he said.

Apple growers and horticulturists suggest that prolonged drought conditions are not suitable for apple crops as it can adversely affect quality and productivity. New apple plantings in orchards are particularly sensitive to dry climatic conditions and may be damaged.

Apple is the most important fruit crop of Himachal Pradesh, accounting for about 49% of the total area grown under fruit crops and about 85% of the total fruit production.

“There has been no snow so far, which does not bode well for the crop. Apple trees need a period of cold temperatures or chilling hours during hibernation, especially in January-February, to bloom and produce fruit properly. Without enough snow and cold, trees may experience poor flowering, uneven bud break and reduced fruit set. Snow also acts as a natural moisture reservoir, slowly releasing water into the soil, without which the soil will dry out faster, affecting root health and nutrient uptake. Drier conditions allow more pests.” “Infestations potentially increase during the growing season,” said Bhupinder Sharma, an apple grower from Kotgarh village in Shimla district.

“All these can lead to reduced yields and poor fruit quality, which can bring economic loss to growers,” he added.

The apple industry forms the backbone of the Himachal Pradesh economy, contributing approximately ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 6,000 crore annually and supporting more than 1.5 lakh families, primarily small and marginal farmers.

SP Bhardwaj, horticultural scientist and former joint principal of Nauni University of Horticulture and Forestry, said that although the chilling hours requirement for the crop could be met, lack of snowfall remains a serious concern.

“Cold conditions have prevailed in the state for the last few days, which may help in meeting the chilling hour requirement of apples, but if dry weather conditions persist and there is no snowfall, then it can definitely have an adverse impact on the crop. We have been witnessing sporadic snowfall for the last few years. Snow provides insulation and temperature regulation and hence the incidence of pests and diseases is controlled. In the absence of snow, the chances of early emergence of pests and diseases are always higher.” said Bhardwaj.