Himachal’s ₹5,000-Crore Apple Economy Faces Crisis as Erratic Weather Threatens Harvest
Officials warn apple production could fall by nearly 40% in 2026 due to poor snowfall, unseasonal rain and hailstorms, putting millions of livelihoods at risk.
Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry, valued at nearly ₹5,000 crore, is facing one of its biggest challenges in recent years as unpredictable weather patterns threaten to slash production by almost 40% during the 2026 season.
According to horticulture officials, apple output is expected to decline from 6.99 lakh metric tonnes in 2025 to around 4.36 lakh metric tonnes in 2026, a drop of 2.63 lakh metric tonnes. The decline is expected to impact nearly 25 lakh people who depend directly or indirectly on apple cultivation for their livelihood.
Experts attribute the sharp fall in production to insufficient snowfall during winter, unseasonal rainfall, repeated hailstorms, and fluctuating temperatures. These changing weather conditions have not only reduced crop yields but have also increased production costs for orchard owners.
Farmers say the rising prices of pesticides, machinery, and other agricultural inputs have further added to their financial burden, making it increasingly difficult to sustain profitable apple farming.
With the state's apple economy under pressure, growers have appealed to the government for stronger support. They have urged authorities to increase awareness and coverage of crop insurance schemes so farmers can better cope with losses caused by extreme weather events.
Economists also warn that climate-related disruptions are emerging as a bigger economic risk than rising oil prices. While easing geopolitical tensions have led to a decline in global crude oil prices, experts believe that erratic monsoon patterns now pose a greater threat to inflation, particularly in a country where nearly half of agricultural land depends on rainfall.
A weak or irregular monsoon can reduce the production of grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds, potentially driving up food prices and increasing pressure on household budgets across India.
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