Floods, landslides, and cloudbursts caused severe damage to the scenic regions of Himachal Pradesh from March to August 2023. Disturbing imagery captured the destruction of structures and the erosion of roadways and highways.
Aside from the immediate loss of life and property, the disruption to livelihoods has highlighted the importance of focusing on the long-term implications of climate change and adaptation. The iconic victim of this climate problem in the hilly state is its famed apple sector, which contributes more than 5% of the state's GDP.
Ravinder Chauhan, President of the Apple Grower Association of India, exposed the terrible reality: This year, Himachal Pradesh's apple production fell from an annual average of three crore boxes to 1.7 crore boxes. The precipitous drop is a direct result of the extreme weather patterns witnessed in 2023 when heavy rains caused flash floods and soil erosion due to global warming.
Rising temperatures, according to meteorology and climate change expert Mahesh Palawat, increase air moisture capacity, resulting in thunderclouds and severe downpours over short durations. This transition from slow drizzles to heavy rain not only harms crops but also increases the risk of flash floods.
The India Meteorological Department's August 2023 weather report emphasized excessive precipitation in Himachal Pradesh, with districts such as Kangra receiving the most rainfall. Districts such as Chamba, Kangra, and Una, on the other hand, experienced normal or deficient rainfall.
Pranav Rawat, a third-generation apple grower, described the difficulties that orchards at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet encounter. Factors such as decreased snowfall, premature rain during flowering, and following hailstorms and landslides have all had a negative impact on apple output, affecting both quality and quantity.
Climate change has interrupted the usual apple harvesting cycle, with negative consequences for apple trees' chilling requirements. The transition from winter to constant rain, combined with less sunlight, has had an influence on apple development, color, and shape.
Farmers faced additional hurdles as floods and landslides destroyed orchards and hampered fertilizer and pesticide application. The consequences go beyond the present year, with damage recovery anticipated to take three to four years.
Shifting to apple types with lower chilling requirements, performing branch grafting for faster fruit tree development, and converting to smaller apple trees are all options for adapting to changing conditions. However, these adjustments are fraught with difficulties, and experts underline the importance of reforestation in restoring natural balance and reintroducing rain and snow.
The predicament of Himachal Pradesh's apple industry is a harsh reminder of the critical need for climate action and sustainable practices to protect not only livelihoods but also the distinctive ecosystems that support them.
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