Unseasonal Snowfall Spells Doom for Floriculture, Potatoes, and Apples in Lahaul-Spiti
Keylong, October 7, 2025:
Unseasonal snowfall across the high-altitude valleys of Lahaul-Spiti has brought harvesting to a halt and damaged standing crops, including floriculture, potatoes, and apples — three of the region’s most vital sources of income.
Heavy snow, thunder, and rain lashed areas like Shelldi and the Fojal Valley over the weekend, while villages such as Tailing — located above the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel — reported over six inches of snow.
Power outages were reported in several villages as temperatures plummeted close to freezing.
Harvest Hit Before It Began
Farmers say this early snowfall has devastated crops that were still in the field.
Floriculture: Flower growers who were preparing to harvest lilium, and gladiolus blooms for the festive season now report that the plants have wilted under layers of snow.
Potatoes: The tuber crop, which was due for digging later this month, faces rot as the soil has turned soggy and frozen.
Apples: Late-harvest apple varieties are the worst hit. Many trees, still laden with fruit, suffered broken branches under the weight of snow.
“We were waiting just a few days to start harvest,” said a farmer from the Tailing village. “Now, everything is buried under snow. This is a huge setback.”
IMD Warns of Continued Snowfall
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread snowfall and rain are expected to continue across the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh till October 8.
A yellow alert remains in place for Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts, warning of slippery roads, avalanches, and further damage to crops.
Day temperatures have dropped by 3–5°C below normal, while Keylong recorded a minimum of 0.1°C — one of the coldest in the region this season.
Transport Disrupted, Power Supply Down
The Manali–Leh Highway has been blocked due to heavy snowfall around Darcha and Sarchu, cutting off Lahaul from Leh and halting vehicular movement.
Power supply disruptions have been reported from several remote villages including Shelldi, Fojal, and Tailing.
Farmers Staring at Heavy Losses
Officials said a damage assessment will be conducted once conditions improve.
However, early reports indicate severe losses to both apple orchards and vegetable crops.
The district administration has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions against sudden temperature drops.
The early snow has once again underscored the fragile balance between climate and livelihood in the Himalayas.
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