Author(s):
Shilpa Thakur, Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal, Anil Kumar Yadava
Email(s):
Email ID Not Available
Address:
Shilpa Thakur1,3, Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal2 , Anil Kumar Yadava3
1G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Himachal Regional Centre, Mohal-Kullu, Pin 175 126, Himachal Pradesh, India
2Department of Forest Resource Management, College of Forestry, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry (VCSG UUHF), Ranichauri-249 199, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
3Department of Forestry, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Pin 263 601, Uttarakhand, India
Published In:
Conference Proceeding, Proceeding of ICAMAS-2025
Year of Publication:
July, 2025
Online since:
July 11, 2025
DOI:
Not Available
ABSTRACT:
The expansion of apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh from 72,406 hectares in 1993 to 115,680 hectares in 2022 reflects a 59.8% increase over 29 years. This growth aligns with broader horticultural trends driven by advancements in cultivation techniques, infrastructure, and government interventions. While total apple production has risen by 128.11%, the yield per hectare has only improved by 42.74%, indicating that production growth has primarily resulted from land expansion rather than significant efficiency gains. Climate change has played a critical role in shaping apple productivity, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and reduced winter chilling leading to a shift in cultivation to higher altitudes. A decadal analysis of apple yield highlights regional variations, with districts such as Shimla, Kinnaur, and Mandi exhibiting increased yields, whereas others, including Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti, have experienced declines. These variations are attributed to agro-climatic factors, orchard management practices, and genetic limitations of apple cultivars. Despite these challenges, policy measures such as subsidies, cold storage facilities, and climate-resilient apple varieties have supported continued growth. Future improvements in apple productivity per hectare will require enhanced precision agriculture, soil health management, and the development of climate-adaptive apple varieties.
Cite this article:
Shilpa Thakur, Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal, Anil Kumar Yadava. Trends and Challenges in Apple Cultivation in Himachal Pradesh: Expansion, Productivity, and Climate Resilience. Proceeding of ICAMAS-2025.166-170.
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