Shimla, January 13: A lean to moderate spell of snowfall in the picturesque uphill tourist hubs of Kufri, Fagu, Narkanda, Kharapathar, Khirki, Manali, Atal Tunnel, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, and the Lahaul and Kinnaur valleys has brought smiles to two key sectors of Himachal Pradesh’s economy—tourism and agriculture.
For hoteliers in Shimla and Manali, the snowfall has provided much-needed relief after a lean winter season marred by a lack of snow and the waning away of the New Year rush.
“Last week, occupancy rates were dismal, hovering around 20–30%,” said Rajiv Sharma, a hotelier in Kufri. “But now, with tourists flocking in to enjoy the fresh snow, our occupancy has increased a bit. This snowfall is a blessing for us.”
Tourists were seen dancing in the snow in Shimla, while Manali’s Solang Valley became a hub for adventure enthusiasts engaging in skiing, snowboarding, and snowman-making.
Families and couples thronged to Kufri, enjoying horse rides and capturing the snowy landscapes.
The tourism department is optimistic about the season's revenue.
“We expect this snowfall to significantly contribute to the state’s economy, helping us recover from the losses endured during the pandemic,” said a senior tourism official.
A Boon for Apple Farmers
The snowfall has also brought renewed hope for apple farmers across the state.
The Shimla apple belt recorded between 5 cm to 10 cm of snow in the past 24 hours, raising expectations of a bumper apple crop this year.
“This is exactly what we needed,” said Ramesh Thakur, an apple grower in Kotkhai.
“The snow provides essential moisture and acts as a natural fertilizer for the soil. It will ensure good flowering and set the stage for a healthy apple yield.”
Experts echoed this sentiment, stating that snowfall at this stage is crucial for the dormant apple trees.
“Snow acts as an insulating layer, protecting the roots and providing the right conditions for a good harvest,” said Dr. Anil Verma, an agricultural scientist.
Additionally, recent rainfall in the region has boosted wheat and vegetable crops, ensuring their healthy growth.
Farmers are optimistic that these weather patterns will reverse the setbacks caused by prolonged dry spells earlier in the season.
“This is second spell of snowfall is a blessing after a fortnight,” said Manmohan Singh, a farmer from Shilgrahan, Shantha.
“It’s not just about apples; even our wheat and vegetables are thriving now. This weather brings hope for a good harvest and better earnings.”
As the weather clears and sunshine bathes the snow-covered landscapes, Himachal Pradesh is basking in a renewed sense of hope and prosperity.
Whether it’s the bustling tourism or the optimistic apple farmers, the snowfall has set the stage for a promising season ahead.
