Study finds fall in fruit production in hill states due to Climate Change

 A study by Climate Trends indicated a dramatic decline in fruit cultivation in Uttarakhand, with the area under cultivation decreasing by 54 per cent.

CLIMATE change has become a critical issue worldwide, prompting governments to prioritise it in policy-making. Amidst this global concern, farmers in hill states like Uttarakhand are grappling with a significant decline in both the quantity and quality of fruit crops.

At a Consultation Workshop titled ‘Climate Resilient Agriculture in India: Opportunities and Challenges’, held in Delhi on Tuesday, climate experts and farmers discussed how Uttarakhand, known for its rich agro-climatic conditions, has seen a drop in fruit yields due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events.

The event was organised by Climate Trends, a research-based consulting initiative, in collaboration with the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI).

A study by Climate Trends revealed that the area under fruit cultivation in Uttarakhand has decreased by 54 per cent, with total fruit yields dropping by 44 per cent. Fruits such as mango, litchi, and guava have been particularly affected.

Experts highlighted how extreme heat and rainfall events have led to increased cases of sunburn, fruit cracking, and fungal infections. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have worsened pest infestations, disrupted pollinator activity, and accelerated soil degradation.

Bhawana Joshi, Senior Entomologist at the State Apiculture Centre, Department of Horticulture and Food Processing in Uttarakhand, expressed concern over the trend. She noted that apple production, which was thriving a decade ago, has significantly declined.

SOURCE: ANI