Hailstorm Wreaks Havoc in Upper Shimla; Apple and Stone Fruit Orchards Suffer Major Losses
Shimla, April 21: A severe hailstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall late last night has caused significant damage to apple orchards and other fruit crops in the upper regions of Shimla district. Key apple-producing areas such as Theog, Narkanda, Kotkhai, Rohru, Jubbal, Chopal, and Rampur have borne the brunt of the unseasonal weather, dealing a serious blow to local fruit growers.
According to orchardists, this year’s fruit production was already under stress due to erratic rainfall and fluctuating temperatures. The latest hailstorm has only compounded their worries, damaging crops like apples, plums, peaches, and apricots.
Harish Chauhan, orchardist and President of the Himachal Pradesh Fruit, Vegetable, and Flower Growers Association, expressed deep concern over the extent of the destruction. “This calamity has been devastating for growers. In most parts of Upper Shimla, fruit trees were directly hit by hailstones. Not only has the quality of the fruit deteriorated, but a steep decline in production is also expected. In several orchards, even the branches of trees have broken,” he said.
Chauhan has urged the state government to implement a robust and farmer-centric crop insurance policy to protect the interests of growers during such disasters. He emphasized the need for a crop-specific and region-wise approach to ensure fair and adequate compensation for losses.
The hailstorm has also led to a noticeable drop in temperature across the hills, which could further hamper crop development and growth in the coming days.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
