Uttarakhand's renowned apple orchards are facing a stark decline, primarily due to the significant impacts of climate change. The region, which was once a thriving producer of various fruits, is now witnessing a reduction in both the area of cultivation and the yield of major fruit crops.
In earlier times, Uttarakhand was celebrated for its abundant production of pear, peach, plum, apricot, and notably, high-quality apples. These fruits thrived in the temperate climate of the region, contributing to the state's economy and agricultural heritage.
The average temperature in Uttarakhand has been increasing at a notable rate of 0.02 degrees Celsius annually. Higher elevations are experiencing even more pronounced warming. This climate shift has resulted in warmer winters, reduced snowfall, and altered precipitation patterns, all of which adversely affect fruit production.
One of the critical factors for temperate fruit trees is the requirement of adequate chilling hours during the winter for proper flowering and fruit development. Warmer winters and decreased snowfall are depriving these trees of the necessary chilling periods, leading to reduced yields.
Among the temperate fruits, pear, apricot, plum, and walnut have suffered the most substantial decline. Apple's production area specifically reduced from 25,201.58 hectares in 2016-2017 to 11,327.33 hectares in 2022-2023.
In response to these challenges, farmers are adapting by shifting their focus to tropical fruits and low-chilling cultivars that are more suited to the evolving climate. There is an uptick in the production of guava and gooseberry, alongside experimentation with crops such as kiwi, pomegranate, and high-density mango cultivation.
As climate change continues to reshape the agricultural landscape in Uttarakhand, these adaptive strategies and measures are crucial for the sustainability and recovery of fruit cultivation in the region.
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