Tuesday, May 6 2025 | Time 14:42 Hrs(IST)
States » NorthPosted at: May 6 2025 9:45AM


It’s less winter and lesser summer in Himachal

Shimla, May 6 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a drastic shift in its weather cycle with both winter and summer seasons behaving abnormally.
This year winter remained unusually warm, marked by the absence of significant snowfall, while summer has brought unexpected cold waves, hailstorms, and even snowfall in higher altitudes—completely defying the seasonal calendar. The unpredictability of seasons is now translating into a full-blown crisis for agriculture and horticulture in the hill state.
The failure of winter snowfall, which is essential for maintaining the chilling hours required for apple orchards, led to poor dormancy and weak flowering. The subsequent spring season was hit by late snow, frost, and cold waves, which washed down pollen grains and froze flowering buds, severely affecting pollination and fruit setting in pome fruits like apples and pears. In some areas, trees bearing heavy fruit buds were uprooted due to thunder, windstorms, or collapsed under the weight of accumulated snow on hail nets.
Former Director of Mashobra Horticulture Centre Dr S. P. Bhardwaj said that situation worsened with prolonged dry spells that forced farmers to irrigate even new plantations during what should have been a naturally moist period.
" Early fruit drop of immature produce has become a common sight. The rise in fungal infections, aphid attacks, and dieback disease indicates the long-term effects of climatic stress. With poor yield and abnormal fruit size, the traditional apple belts are gradually shifting toward higher altitudes." he added.
Forest degradation, mounting pine needle layers, and frequent fires have added to the woes. Not only have these fires damaged forest cover and orchards, but they have also led to house fires, displacing many families. Landslides triggered by untimely rain and snow have destroyed fields and standing crops, forcing farmers to relocate orchards to more stable areas.
" The traditional Kharif and Rabi cropping patterns are also under strain. Late sowing of Rabi and early sowing of Kharif, influenced by irregular rainfall and temperature fluctuations, are expected to hit yields, " Bhardwaj said and cautioned the probable impact on the foid grains and state agriculture economy.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast 109 percent rainfall for the upcoming monsoon, raising fears of floods and oversaturation of vegetable crops, which could destabilize markets and prices.
Experts fear that continuous extreme weather events may trigger long-term food insecurity, inflation, and mass migration from agriculture. The state needs immediate interventions—such as crop insurance, promotion of climate-resilient crops, water harvesting, soil conservation, and long-term planning.
Authorities must prioritize small and medium apple growers and extend scientific support and financial assistance to help them adapt to the shifting climate and sustain their livelihoods.
UNI ML KK
Tags: #It’s less winter and lesser summer in Himachal
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