Shimla: Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh have been battling unpredictable weather and deteriorating soil health for several years. Irregular climatic patterns, reduced chilling hours, and extreme events like heavy rainfall and hailstorms have significantly impacted both yield and quality. In response to these growing challenges, Adani Agri Fresh Ltd. (AAFL) has launched a month-long soil testing initiative across its centres in Rohru, Sainj, and Rampur, starting Monday, to help orchardists assess soil health and improve crop outcomes.
During the peak procurement season from August to October this year, several institutions procured apples from growers; however, Adani Agri Fresh made a record purchase of nearly 22,000 tonnes, offering timely relief to farmers. Yet, experts say the underlying challenge remains unresolved—declining soil quality and soil-borne diseases continue to pose a serious threat to future productivity. The State Agriculture University has repeatedly advised farmers to conduct periodic soil tests to enhance overall fruit quality and yield efficiency. In this context, the soil testing programme initiated by AAFL may prove both cost-effective and beneficial.
Under this initiative, farmers directly associated with AAFL are being offered one soil sample test free of cost, while other growers can avail the service at rates lower than market prices. The testing will follow scientific and certified procedures, ensuring accurate insights into nutrient deficiencies and corrective measures required. Specialists estimate that more than 5,000 farmers across the region are likely to benefit from this effort.
Local growers believe that although weather is beyond control, improving soil health remains in their hands. For Himachal’s apple-producing community, especially during a period marked by climatic stress, the initiative is being seen as a timely and forward-looking intervention. Notably, during the recent procurement season, while several private companies reduced or halted apple purchases, Adani Agri Fresh continued uninterrupted procurement, even keeping its centres open 24 hours a day—facilitating growers who arrived as late as midnight.
Farmers and experts agree that such sustained support, combined with scientific soil management, could play a crucial role in safeguarding the future of Himachal Pradesh’s apple economy.
