Shimla, March 6: The iconic orchards of Himachal Pradesh are under pressure from a warming climate, with horticultural experts reporting a worrying decline in the winter chill necessary for a successful harvest. A recent assessment by Dr YS Parmar University has mentioned how the 2025-26 winter season continued a trend of rising temperatures that threatens the state’s multi-crore fruit economy.
According to the study, the cumulative hours below 7°C required for bud break and flowering are falling short of the 500 to 1,000-hour threshold needed for traditional apple varieties. Scientists stated that this lack of dormancy-breaking cold leads to poor fruit set and reduced yields. They affirmed that the biological clock of these temperate plants is being severely impacted by the current warming trend.
The university’s findings revealed that the months of December through February have become increasingly mild compared to previous decades. Experts asserted that the Rs 5,000-crore industry must now prioritize the introduction of climate-resilient horticulture strategies. They declared that relying on older, high-chill varieties may no longer be sustainable for farmers in the mid-hill regions.
Horticulturalists maintained that the disruption is not limited to apples, as stone fruits like plums and peaches are also experiencing similar stress. Officials stated that the focus must move toward monitoring weather parameters more closely to provide farmers with better guidance. They asserted that the survival of the state’s premier fruit industry depends on adapting to these new climatic realities.
