Area under cultivation up, but apple production dips by half

Uttarkashi: Apple production in Uttarkashi district has reduced drastically, from 32,900 metric tonnes in 2012 to only 15,445 metric tonnes in 2017, according to data with the state horticulture department. The decline has occurred even though a higher area is now under cultivation in the district. Experts have blamed excessive pesticide use and climate change for apple trees producing less fruit.

Extreme climatic conditions can prevent apple trees from meeting the chilling requirements. Apple trees have the highest chilling requirements of all fruit trees, demanding up to 1,200 hours of chilling.

According to data accessed by TOI, 7,333 hectares in the district were under cultivation in 2012 when 32,900 metric tonnes of apple was produced. By 2017, 8,953 hectares were under cultivation but production had dropped to 15,445 metric tonnes. In 2017, incessant rain and hailstorms had affected the fruit in apple producing belts of Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Nainital and Chamoli districts.

The data of apple production in 2018 is not yet available.

N K Singh, deputy director of Uttarkashi horticulture department, told TOI, “Change in climatic conditions, excessive use of pesticides and old techniques of farming are some major reasons behind decline in apple production. Another reason is that 60% of apple orchards in the district date back to1990s and are bearing less fruit now. The new trees will take time to bear fruit.”

Notably, Englishman Fredrick Wilson had introduced Vance Delicious variety of apple to the area in 1859. Some of these trees planted 160 years ago are still bearing fruit.

Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chinyalisaud, Pankaj Nautiyal, also said that farmers were trying to boost produce with excessive pesticide use which has affected soil quality and prevented honeybees from acting as natural pollinators. Warmer temperatures in upper Himalayan region and shortage of snowfall are also contributing factors.

The reduced production has raised worry for apple growers in the region. Thousands of families residing in eight villages of Ganga valley - Sukhi, Purali, Jaspur, Harsil, Jhala, Bagoril, Dharali and Mukhba - earn their household income by growing apples.