The Path Less Traveled

The apple economy in Himachal Pradesh, India, is facing severe challenges due to climate change. Warmer winters, less snowfall, untimely rains, and hailstorms have led to a significant drop in apple production in the region. Traditional apple varieties have seen a decrease in lifespan, and prices of fertilizers and pesticides have been increasing year after year.Image source: GoogleThe monsoon season has also brought losses to the apple economy, with widespread damage caused by rain and hailstorms. Image source: Google  The impacts of climate change on apple production have been observed since 2010, with production never surpassing the highest recorded figure that year. The government has decided to sell apples based on weight instead of boxes, allowing farmers to earn more for their produce.A 2020 study highlights the average increase in temperature, reduction in rainfall, and increase in CO2 concentration as factors that reduce apple yield. The study also notes the shifti