Growers get good returns but apple production falls in state

Growers in Himachal Pradesh are getting high prices for apple this season but concerns persist over shifting horticultural practices and a steady decline in the annual production of the fruit.

According to official figures, around 2.25 crore apple boxes have been sent to markets this year so far, with growers initially earning between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,500 per 20-kg box of apple.

Narendra Thakur, a local trader, said that the apple rates had been very favourable for farmers this year. “In July and August, the apple growers got prices between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 per 20-kg box,” he added.

He said that though the prices dipped briefly, farmers still managed to sell apple for Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per 20-kg box during that period. Thakur added that most of the apple this year was packed and sold using Paytm cards, with around 2.15 crore transactions done. Notably, around 1.25 crore boxes of apple were sold in Himachal’s temples, while around one crore boxes were sold outside the state.

Thakur said, “The Dali Mandi in Shimla alone has seen sales of over 12 lakh paper boxes, contributing to a turnover of around Rs 1,500 crore.” He attributed the good prices to the government decision to introduce universal cartons, which allowed farmers to sell apple in lighter boxes at higher rates. “I had supplied the Shiv variety of apple to Bangladesh and Nepal for 20 years but this year, I have restricted my exports to Nepal and haven’t supplied any quantity to Bangladesh,” he added.

Mohammad, a trader from Jharkhand, said that though the apple was of good quality, some traders suffered losses due to the changes in packaging materials. “Early on, services were well-priced, but as the season is progressing, challenges are mounting. The season is nearing its end, with only about 15 days left. Small traders have faced more difficulties,” he added.

Meanwhile, Naresh Kumar, an apple farmer, echoed concerns about declining prices as the season progressed. “This year, the prices have been lower overall compared to last year. Farmers in lower altitude areas initially got good rates, but as apple from higher reaches started coming in, the prices began to drop,” he added.

Kumar said that the farmers of mid and high-altitude areas did not benefit as much this season, partly due to lower crop yields. “There is market profit but it’s not substantial enough to make up for reduced crop yields. Universal packaging has helped to some extent but overall, there’s still a noticeable decline,” he added.

Meanwhile, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi expressed concern over the changing weather patterns and the state’s declining per-hectare production compared to other apple-producing regions. He said that both government and farmers should adapt to these changes by adopting high-density plantation methods and implementing advanced agricultural techniques to boost production.

Himachal Pradesh has 11 lakh hectares under cultivation, with two lakh hectares dedicated to fruit orchards. Apple cultivation occupies around 1 lakh hectares, making up 50 per cent of the state’s fruit-growing areas. On an average, the state produces about 5.5 lakh metric tonnes of apple every year.

The apple economy is vital for thousands of families, contributing over Rs 5,500 crore to the state’s economy every year.