Apple Market Crash: Himachal’s Orchards Face Bitter Harvest
The apple season in Himachal Pradesh, which began with much promise, has ended in a bitter harvest for many growers. A sudden crash in market prices has left farmers struggling to even recover their production costs.
Poor fruit quality, attributed to widespread fungal diseases, is a major factor. Delayed collection from orchards by procurement centers further exacerbated the situation.
The unusually high production in lower elevation areas also flooded the market, leading to a price slump. This has hit small and marginal farmers the hardest, pushing many towards significant financial losses.
While there is agreement on the severity of the crisis, opinions differ on the extent of market exploitation. Some accuse middlemen of capitalising on the situation, further squeezing growers’ profits.
The crisis underscores the vulnerability of Himachal’s apple industry, a crucial component of the state’s economy and the livelihood of thousands. Urgent government intervention is needed to address the systemic issues plaguing the sector and provide relief to affected farmers. The long-term sustainability of apple cultivation in the region now hangs in the balance.
