Foreign varieties take root to push up Himachal’s apple economy

which are suitable for its growth and colours.

Other varieties in demand include the Super Chief, Red Velox and Scarlet Spur, all from the US while the new imported pollinator varieties include the Gale Gala, Gibson Golden, Red Lum Gala and Decarli Gala.

“We are growing different varieties in our nursery. Red Velox and the Jeromine are always in high demand” says Pratap Chuahan owner of Adam Nurseries in Kotkhai tehsil, Shimla district . “Good fruit size of the Jeromine fetches double the prices of the traditional royal and red varieties with a 20kg box sold for ₹1,500 to ₹3,000,” he said. Demand for Gala Wall, Gala Schiga Schnico Red was also rising, with Gala varieties priced at ₹3,000 to ₹3,500,” he added In higher altitudes of 6,500 to 8,000 feet above sea level, varieties being grown included Ace Spur, Semi Spur, Oregon Spur, Washington

Spur (early red), Scarlet Gala, Granny Smith, Pink Lady Brookfield Gala, and Bucky Gala. Apples make up 49% of the total area under fruit crops and 74% of the total fruit production.

Area under apple cultivation increased from 400 hectares in 1950-51 to 13,154 hectares in 2018-2019; nearly 5% of the total gross domestic product of the state. Pegged at ₹3,200 crore in 2012, it grew to ₹4,800 crore in 2020.

Even as the global slowdown brought down the state’s growth rate to 5.6% in comparison to 7.1% in 2018-2019, a bountiful apple harvest helped the state economy.

Horticulture production was 42% higher than the previous year, leading to a 6.6% rise in the state’s per capita income, according to the state’s economic survey tabled last week in the Vidhan Sabha by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, who also holds the finance portfolio.