Himachel's Apple Orchardists Turn to Anti-Hail Nets Amid Climate Challenges
Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh are increasingly using anti-hail nets to protect their crops from erratic weather, though they face high costs and delayed subsidies. While recent rains have provided hope for a good harvest, ongoing hailstorm threats and governmental inefficiencies remain significant challenges for the farmers.
- Country:
- India
Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh are turning to anti-hail nets in greater numbers to shield their orchards from increasingly erratic weather patterns, including frequent hailstorms that have ravaged crops in the high-altitude apple belts of the state. This move comes despite reduced government subsidies and high installation costs.
Farmer Layak Ram Sharma from Kandyali village near Narkanda describes anti-hail nets as a crucial investment, saying, 'Anti-hail nets protect our crops not just from hail but also mitigate the effects of intense sunlight. Protection from hailstorms ensures a better market price if the crops remain undamaged.'
Harish Chauhan, Convener of Himachal Pradesh Sayunkt Kisan Manch, pointed out that while nets are indispensable, delays in subsidy releases hamper farmers' ability to afford them. 'Farmers resort to loans or buy nets on credit. In Rohru subdivision, ₹8 crore is still pending in subsidy payments,' he noted, advocating for timely disbursements and support for indigenous anti-hail gun technologies to enhance crop protection.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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