Introduction
Uttarakhand, known for its rich biodiversity and favorable conditions for horticulture, has experienced a sharp decline in fruit yields over the past several years. The once thriving fruit cultivation industry, particularly of temperate fruits like apples, pears, peaches, plums, and apricots, is now grappling with significant challenges. This decline is primarily attributed to the warming climate, changing temperature patterns, and shifts in agricultural practices. Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as the younger generation's diminishing interest in agriculture and the rapid growth of the tourism industry have further compounded the issue.
Impact of Warming Climate on Fruit Yields
A study by Climate Trends highlights the profound impact of a warming climate on Uttarakhand's fruit production. Between 2016-17 and 2022-23, the yield and area under cultivation of major fruit crops have seen a significant decline. This trend is particularly noticeable for temperate fruits as compared to tropical ones.
Key Findings:
Apple Production: The area under apple cultivation reduced dramatically from 25,201.58 hectares in 2016-17 to 11,327.33 hectares in 2022-23, with a corresponding 30% decline in yield.
Lemon Varieties: The yield of lemon varieties shrunk by 58%.
Tropical Fruits: Despite reductions in cultivation areas by 49% and 42%, the production of mango and litchi remained relatively stable, with only slight declines of 20% and 24%, respectively.
The increase in production of guava and gooseberry suggests a shift towards fruit types better attuned to the changing climate and market demand.
Horticulture Department of Uttarakhand (2016-2023)
Regional Variations and Specific Areas Affected
The study reveals striking shifts in cultivation patterns across different regions in Uttarakhand:
Maximum Decline: Tehri registered the maximum decline in area under cultivation.
Notable Reductions: Almora, Pithoragarh, and Haridwar recorded notable reductions in both cultivation areas and fruit yields.
High Altitudes: Districts like Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Rudraprayag experienced significant shrinkage in snow-covered areas, essential for the growth of temperate fruits.
Climatic Factors Influencing Decline
The warming climate has caused several adverse effects on horticulture in Uttarakhand:
Temperature Increase: The average temperature in Uttarakhand increased at an annual rate of 0.02°C between 1970 and 2022, with the state recording approximately 1.5°C warming over this period. Higher elevations experienced amplified warming rates.
Snow and Winter Chill: Winter temperatures in high altitudes have increased at a rate of 0.12°C per decade over the past 20 years. This has accelerated the melting of snow and reduced the snow-covered areas by nearly 90100 km between 2000 and 2020.
Impact on Temperate Fruits: Temperate fruits like apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, and walnuts, which require winter chill and snowfall for growth and flowering, have seen abnormal bud break patterns, reduced flowering, and lower yields due to exceptionally warm winters and reduced snowfall.
BKC Weathersys Temperature data (2016-2024)
SocioEconomic Shifts
In addition to climatic factors, socioeconomic changes have also contributed to the decline in fruit production:
Interest in Agriculture: The younger generation shows less interest in agriculture, favoring other career opportunities.
Tourism Industry: The rapid growth of the tourism industry in Uttarakhand over the past 78 years has led to a shift from agriculture to tourism related activities. Many locals have transitioned from farming to opening hotels and other tourism related businesses, further reducing the focus on horticulture.
Traditional Farming Practices and Information Gap
A significant issue contributing to the decline in fruit production is the continued use of traditional farming methods and old seed varieties. Despite the availability of high yielding varieties and modern techniques, many farmers still rely on outdated practices. This reluctance to adopt new methods is often due to a lack of information, as there is a substantial information gap between farmers and government or agricultural universities.
Role of BKC Aggregators and FASAL SALAH
This is where BKC Aggregators' innovative app, FASAL SALAH, plays a crucial role. Acting as a bridge between the government and farmers, FASAL SALAH provides vital information in a simple and accessible manner. Having been in use for the past eight years, this app offers customized advisory services tailored to each farmer's specific needs, based on their location, village, soil type, crop variety, and weather conditions. From sowing to harvest, FASAL SALAH guides farmers with accurate and timely information about their crops.
Adaptation and Future Prospects
To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt climate resilient practices and explore alternative crops better suited to the changing climate:
Tropical Alternatives: Farmers are gradually shifting to tropical fruits like kiwi and pomegranate, which are better adapted to the warmer climate.
Low Chilling Cultivars: Some districts are experimenting with low chilling cultivars of apples and high-density cultivation of mango varieties like Amrapali, yielding promising results.
Climate Resilient Practices: Implementing climate resilient agricultural practices and studying long term trends in weather variables and their relation to crop yields can help safeguard the horticulture sector.
The decline in fruit production in Uttarakhand is a multifaceted issue influenced by climatic, socioeconomic, and agricultural factors. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including adopting climate resilient practices, encouraging the younger generation to engage in agriculture, and balancing tourism development with sustainable agricultural practices. BKC Aggregators' FASAL SALAH app is an excellent example of leveraging technology to bridge the information gap and support farmers in adopting modern techniques. By doing so, Uttarakhand can work towards revitalizing its fruit production and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth in the face of a changing climate.
For more updates on Agri and weather news, download Fasal Salah Android App- https://goo.gl/5Yu1u9
Nice blog 👍
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