Uttarakhand Apple Farmers Face Crisis: Less Snowfall Threatens Harvest, Premature Flowering Risk

• Insufficient snowfall in Uttarakhand's hilly districts (Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, Nainital) is causing a crisis for apple cultivation.
• Lack of snow disrupts 'chilling hours' (800-1200 hours between 0-7°C) essential for apple trees, leading to fewer buds and affecting fruit quality.
• Higher temperatures pose a risk of premature flowering, which could be destroyed by late hailstorms or frost; snow provides crucial deep soil moisture.
• Agricultural expert Mukesh Kainthura warns that if heavy snowfall doesn't occur in the next 15 days, apple production could be halved.
• The crisis threatens farmers' livelihoods, impacting apple yield, 'shelf life', and market value, highlighting climate change's direct effects.

Why It Matters: Uttarakhand's apple harvest is in jeopardy due to low snowfall, risking premature flowering and reduced yield.