Kangra’s fruit growers hit hard amid natural calamities

Kangra district is on the receiving end, and the worst-affected fruit is mango. The economy of the people of this district depends on horticultural productivity such as citrus, litchis, apricots, pears, and apples. This year the production of such fruits is likely to drop due to climate change and unexpected natural disasters. The disaster didn’t only affect crops; it has damaged polyhouses, which were set up to grow fruits and vegetables in the off-season.

Kamalsheel Negi, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department in Dharamsala, explained, “The storm and hail have not only damaged the fruits but also destroyed flowers on many trees. Without flowering, fruits can’t develop properly.” Negi further added that a detailed damage report has been sent to the department’s headquarters, and officials are now waiting for directions on whether any relief or compensation will be offered to farmers.

Rain is often conducive for farmers, but hail along with high-speed winds did all the damage. Experts believe the full impact of losses will be cleared in the coming weeks. Horticulture farmers of Kangra have lost their standing crops on a large scale. They need help from the government for their survival.