The apple of Lahaul, which is produced in the snowy valleys, is now registering its strong presence in the fruit markets of the country. The demand for this apple is continuously increasing due to its quality, taste and long shelf life. This time, the gardeners of Lahaul have also got the benefit of low production in the major apple producing areas of the state, Kullu and Shimla.
The gardeners have got relief from getting the price of 20 kg box from Rs 1300 to Rs 1500 in the market, but amidst the better price and increasing production, a big question is also facing the gardeners of Lahaul. After all, why is the apple which is gaining recognition in the market on the basis of its quality, not being sold under its own name?
In fact, the gardeners of Lahaul complain that the apple from their region is being sold in the name of Kinnaur Apple in many markets of the country. Due to this, Lahaul is not able to develop its own distinct identity. Now the gardeners want that the government and the horticulture department should take steps towards developing a separate brand in the name of Lahaul Apple, so that the product can get its real geographical identity and the gardeners can get better market price in future.
90 percent harvesting completed, now gardeners busy in grading and packing
This year's apple season is almost at an end in Lahaul Valley. About 90 percent of the apples have been harvested and now the gardeners are busy collecting the remaining crop along with grading and packing. About 10 percent of the harvest is still remaining. This time the producers are satisfied with getting the price of 1300 to 1500 rupees for a 20 kg box. Demand for Lahaul's apples increased due to low production in other major apple producing areas of the state. Traders from outside states are also reaching the valley for purchase.
According to local gardeners Rahul Thakur, Mahendra and Suresh Kumar, the quality of Lahaul's apples is good. Its peel is thick and the fruit is juicy. This is the reason why this apple can remain safe for a long time. This helps in maintaining its quality even during transportation.
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Map of apple production changed in two decades
The story of apple production in Lahaul Valley has changed rapidly in the last two decades. In the initial phase, apple cultivation was done in about 450 hectare area and the production was limited to about 125 metric tons. Today the area of apple production has reached more than 1000 hectares. According to the data of the Horticulture Department, now about 3000 to 4000 metric tons of apples are being produced annually in the valley. Every year about 60 thousand new saplings are being planted. Due to this, horticulture is expanding in about 120 hectares of new area.
This change has also given apple an important place in the rural economy of Lahaul. In areas where earlier there were limited farming options, horticulture is now becoming the main source of income for farmers.
Pattan valley becomes major center of apple production
Pattan valley of Lahaul is emerging as a major center of apple production. Here favorable conditions and increasing area of horticulture have given a new impetus to production. Due to climate change, the possibilities of apple cultivation have now developed even in those areas of the valley, which were earlier not considered suitable for this crop. With the expansion of horticulture, employment and self-employment opportunities are also increasing at the local level.
Along with apple production, the trend of giving orchards on contract has also increased in Lahaul. According to the available information, more than 70 percent of the gardeners of the valley have given their gardens on contract. This provides some relief to the gardeners from the responsibility of crop maintenance and marketing. At the same time, producers selling apples directly in the markets are also satisfied with getting better prices this time. Due to good demand in the market, gardeners are hopeful of getting a fair price for their hard work.
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Lahaul Apple will shine in the national market if it becomes a separate brand
Now the biggest challenge before the gardeners of Lahaul is to give a distinct identity to their product. He believes that just as Kinnaur apple has created its unique identity across the country, similarly Lahaul apple should also be established as an independent brand.
For this, the government and the horticulture department will have to take initiative in the direction of branding, packaging and marketing. If a separate identity is developed in the name of Lahaul Apple, it will not only strengthen the identity of the product in the market, but will also increase the chances of the gardeners getting better prices.
For this, market strategy can be prepared on the basis of geographical characteristics of the area, quality of apple and specifications of production. According to APMC Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti Secretary Dixit Jariyal, the apple season in the valley is now in its final stages and about 10 percent of the picking is left. Now the question is not just about the price of the apple, but about its identity. When will Lahauli apple, which has made a place in the market on the basis of its quality, get recognition by its name in the national markets? This demand is now becoming an important issue for the gardeners of the valley.