By IANS
Shimla : A poor monsoon in Himachal Pradesh this year has begun to take its toll on its prized apple crop.
Scanty rains and harsh sunshine have caused sunburn of the apple peel, affected its shine and led to poor growth, especially in the lower and middle hills of the state where the crop matures first, farmers say.
"Sunburn and poor size and shine result in low returns for farmers. Apple is a trade that is highly labour intensive, making it even more difficult for us to make both ends meet," complained a leading farmer.
"If the rains don't come soon, the cruel sun will continue to burn the fruit skin. Besides, the dry spell will not aid fruit development and shine, causing huge losses," said Lekh Raj Chauhan, president of the state apple growers' association.
"July is the season of rain, fog and occasional sunshine but this time the relentless sun is harming the apple crop," Chauhan told IANS.
Apple harvest began in early July in the lower elevations and the crop has started to reach markets across the country, but farmers are complaining of poor returns.
The harvest ends in early October when the apple crop is harvested in the higher orchards where it matures last.
According to estimates drawn up a couple of months ago, a poor crop was expected this year following a dry winter.
But the horticulture department revised its estimate last week saying that a normal crop could be expected. But the scanty rains could further upset the crop estimates.
Himachal Pradesh's apple economy is estimated to be worth between Rs.15 billion and Rs.18 billion and apple is the state's largest cash crop.
The state accounts for a third of India's apple produce. The rest comes from neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir. Himachal farmers say that apple from Kashmir is poorer in quality compared to the ones grown in their state.