Harish Chauhan, an apple grower from Rohru, Shimla, reports a significant decline in apple production, attributing this to climate change. He notes a reduction in output to 2,500 boxes from previously higher numbers and mentions a three-fold increase in production costs. Chauhan points out the shift in the apple belt 1,000 ft higher in the mountains and the need for apple crops to experience 1,200-1,500 hours at 7 degrees Celsius, a condition increasingly difficult to meet due to climate change. The impact of climate change on fruit production extends beyond apples, affecting apricots, plums, and cherries, with a noted preference for imported fruit varieties among consumers. Despite a slight increase in the country's fruit production from 107 million tons in 2021-22 to 108 million tons in 2022-23, the challenges posed by climate change, alongside issues in transport and storage infrastructure, remain significant.

Source: Economic Times June 14, 2024 12:52 UTC