Snowfall increases royal apple yield prospects

Shimla: Royal Delicious is considered the king of apples; it is set to return to Himachal Pradesh with bloom after a long time. Horticulture experts believe that a bumper harvest is on the cards for the royal apples amid timely snowfall this winter. This variety needs 1,200 to 1,600 hours of chilled weather, which takes place during the low temperature. This season, snowfall got underway in December in high-altitude apple-growing regions, and an adequate fall of snow in January made the condition ideal for the farming of royal delicious apples.

The previous year, insufficient snowfall during December and January delayed several orchard activities such as mulching and fertilizing with manure and superphosphate. Therefore, plants didn’t get sufficient nutrients, affecting apple production. Lack of chilling hours led to a dip in the production of royal apple production last year.

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This year, snowfall and rain in areas above 6,500 feet have initiated the chilling process in regions that don’t receive direct sunlight. If the snowfall continues and temperatures remain low, the chilling hour requirement will likely be met on time, ensuring a good harvest.

Royal Delicious apples contribute to 90% of Himachal Pradesh’s total apple production. Lokendra Singh Bisht, president of the Progressive Growers Association (PGA), expressed optimism about a strong harvest due to timely snowfall. However, he emphasized that suitable weather during the flowering stage will also play a crucial role.

The prediction of snowfall in coming days is set to make the situation absolutely perfect for bumper production of apples. It is likely that Royal Delicious Apple will return again with the glory.