While the upper reaches of the Himalayas here have already received the third snowfall of this season, the lower areas have so far received little snowfall. The absence of snowfall has become a major cause of concern for farmers especially those cultivating apples. The cultivation of apples is the main source of livelihood for many households in the Joshimath fruit belt. If timely snowfall is not experienced in the area this year, the apple yield will be considerably damaged while the trees may become susceptible to disease.
Three spells of snowfall have been received in the higher areas of Joshimath region in Chamoli district in this season so far. It is pertinent to mention here that a considerable yield of apples is produced in the Joshimath area. However, apple growers here are suffering anxiety due to climatic factors. Farmer Raghu Vir Bhandari said that though there had been three snowfalls in the higher mountainous areas, the lower regions have not experienced any snowfall so far. The absence of timely snowfall will have a detrimental effect on the yield of apples as the quantity and quality of apple yield depends on snowfall. On being asked about the impact of climatic factors like absence of snowfall, the horticulture inspector at Joshimath, Somesh Bhandari said that the apple is a tree of the cold climes. Good snowfall is necessary in order to get a good apple yield. Good apple cultivation also requires that sub-zero temperature continues for 90 days along with the presence of snow, he said. In case the snowfall is not experienced on time, the orchards could face the risk of disease spreading among the apple trees. These factors could prove detrimental to the fruit yield here. It should be noted here that snowfall in the month of January is considered suitable for apple orchards. If snowfall is not experienced soon, the apple cultivators of Joshimath and other areas could land in dire straits.