Production of cherry falls in Himachal

Cheery production in Himachal Pradesh is likely to be only about a third of last year's record output.

Farmers and state horticulture department officials say when the harvest ends in mid-June, the production may not touch 400 tonnes, as compared to last year's all time high of 1,039 tonnes.

Farmers say despite a low output they are not fetching good prices in the markets of Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla since the harvest began in April.

“Barring the exotic varieties of cherries, which account for only 10 per cent of the production, the rest of the fruit hasn't been fetching good prices,” said Ranjeet Mehta, a grower from Kotgarh.

 

“In the Shimla market farmers have been getting Rs 70 to Rs 150 for a single kg box. The prices in Delhi are between Rs 150 to Rs 300 per box which includes the exotic varieties which are much tastier,larger and more attractive in shape," explained Mehta to Business Standard.

In recent years, Himachal Pradesh has seen a rise in cherry production as more orchards have come up in Kotgarh, Narkanda, Baagi,Kumarsain, Kotkhai, Jubbal and Rohru in Shimla district and also some areas in Kullu district.These two districts account for most of the fruit in the hill state.

Horticulture officials say the area under cherry cultivation is around 400 hectares which has the potential of producing over 900 tonnes if it is a normal crop,but this year it may not touch 400 tonnes.