Stone fruits price skyrocketing in Himachal Pradesh

The prices of stone fruits produced in Himachal Pradesh is reported to be around double or more than last year’s prices due to a low output of these fruits this year, say traders and farmers.

Peach was selling for Rs 30 per kg last year in the markets of Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states but the prices this time are hovering around Rs 80 a kg.

Plum, apricot and raw almonds sold for Rs 30 to Rs 40 last year but this season the prices have shot up to Rs 80 a kg.While cherry is selling between Rs 140 and Rs 220, a year ago the price ranged between Rs 80 and Rs 140.

Farmers and traders say the reason for high prices is a poor crop, this time due to unfavourable weather conditions — including frost and hailstorms — when the stone fruit orchards flowered in March and April. Stone fruit orchards are found in the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. Last year, the production was over 61,000 tonnes, but is likely to drop.