SHIMLA: THE APPLE farmers in Himachal Pradesh say they have never had it so bad.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounding red and orange alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall till August 31, harvesting in the state’s apple belt has come to a standstill.
From premature leaf fall to fruit drop, the orchards are already under stress, and the fresh spell of rains has only worsened the situation.
Farmers complain that slippery, broken, and blocked roads have snapped their lifelines to mandis. “We are helpless. The fruit is ready, but we cannot pluck or transport it. Every day’s delay means more losses,” said an orchardist from Shilgrahan Shantha in Chopal.
Peak Season Stalled
Harvesting in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and parts of Kinnaur was at its peak when the rains lashed.
Farmers report halted operations in several villages. Trucks and tempos are stuck on waterlogged and landslide-hit stretches, leaving cartons of fruit stranded.
IMD Warning
The Met Centre, Shimla, has cautioned of landslides, flash floods, traffic congestion, and widespread damage to horticulture. It has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow state advisories.
Farmer Anguish
“First the leaf fall disease, then premature fruit dropping, and now this rain fury. The crop is slipping away from our hands,” said an apple grower from Kotkhai.
Another added, “It’s not just apples. The roads are so battered that even essential supplies are hit.”
Bigger Blow to Economy
With horticulture forming the backbone of the hill economy, the disruption in apple harvesting could push losses into hundreds of crores. Traders warn that prolonged disruption may also impact market.
District-wise IMD Forecast (25–29 August 2025):
As per the Met Centre, Shimla, the enhanced rainfall activity will impact Himachal Pradesh in a staggered but severe manner.
August 25
1. Chamba, Kangra, Mandi – Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places (Red Alert).
2. Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kullu – Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places (Orange Alert).3. Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti – Heavy rainfall at isolated places (Yellow Alert).
August 26
1. Chamba, Kangra – Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places (Red Alert).
2. Mandi, Kullu – Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places (Orange Alert).
3. Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Lahaul-Spiti – Heavy rainfall at isolated places (Yellow Alert).
August 27
1. Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur – Heavy rainfall at isolated places (Yellow Alert).
August 28
1. Una, Bilaspur – Heavy rainfall at isolated places (Yellow Alert).
August 29
1. Kangra, Solan, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur – Heavy rainfall at isolated places (Yellow Alert).
Likely Impacts
Landslides, mudslides, and road blockages in Chamba, Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, and Shimla.
Orchard damage and premature fruit drop in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Kinnaur apple belts.
Waterlogging in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, hitting low-lying areas.
Risk of flash floods and river swelling in Kangra and Chamba.
