Devastating Landslides & Road Closures Trigger a Crisis for Apple Growers, Resulting in Widespread Dumping of Apples into Rivers

SHIMLA: The picturesque apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh, renowned for their bountiful produce, now bear the brunt of unseasonal monsoon rains, causing widespread destruction and unprecedented losses for farmers. Due to massive landslides and road closures in interior areas, the transportation of apples from the Upper Shimla region has been severely disrupted, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded for nearly a fortnight. In a heart-wrenching sight, farmers are being forced to discard their apple crop into rivers and drains as the apples begin to rot amidst the transportation crisis.

Deepak Manta, a fruit grower from Rohru, expressed the grim situation, stating, "Apples are being thrown into rivers as they are rotting." The condition of the roads has deteriorated to such an extent that truck drivers are hesitant to operate their vehicles, further exacerbating the transportation woes. The incessant rainfall has led to extensive damages to roads and bridges, with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) estimating significant repairs to restore connectivity.

Seeking aid and support from the government, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi. He apprised Minister Gadkari about the extensive devastation caused by cloudbursts and heavy rains across the state, seeking financial assistance to repair the damaged roads and bridges.

The situation is not only dire for apple growers in Shimla but also in other apple-growing regions of Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba districts. The state's Emergency Operations Center has reported a staggering total of 72 landslide incidents and 52 floods in Himachal Pradesh from June 24 to July 29. The unexpected challenges have left farmers anxious about this year's apple crop, with predictions of a potential decline of more than 70 percent compared to recent years.

As farmers grapple with the loss of their livelihoods, political leaders have engaged in a war of words, with BJP leaders criticizing the Congress government for its alleged lack of support to the farming community. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya tweeted a video of apples being discarded into the river, attributing the unfortunate situation to the government's failure to assist farmers in transporting their produce to the market.

Prominent apple grower and state BJP leader, Chetan Bragta, also voiced his concern, urging the government to open apple collection centers and restore connectivity. The desperation faced by the farmers underscores the urgency of government intervention to salvage the apple crop and support those dependent on this vital sector of the state's economy.

Horticultural experts fear that the apple crop may suffer a significant decline of 30-35 percent in yield and taste. With over 90 percent of the state's apple production destined for the domestic market, the crisis has broader implications for the nation's fruit supply and pricing.