Apple not so ‘fruitful’ for Himachal? Climate pressures hill state’s Rs 5,000 crore economy

Himachal Pradesh’s Rs 5,000 crore apple economy faces a severe climate crisis, with production projected to plummet by nearly 40% this year. Unseasonal rains, hailstorms, and erratic weather have significantly impacted output, affecting an estimated 2.5 lakh farming families. Growers are grappling with rising costs and a desperate need for improved irrigation and crop insurance.