TL;DR:
- Apple production in Himachal Pradesh is a significant part of the state’s economy.
- Recent advancements in science and technology have transformed the sector.
- Himachal Pradesh ranks second in apple production in India.
- Challenges include rising production costs and market unpredictability.
- The entry of large market players has influenced apple crop purchases.
- Unrest among apple farmers led to the defeat of the BJP in recent elections.
- The use of high-density rootstock plants has brought changes to apple production.
- AI technology, like Fasal, aids in soil mapping and provides guidance to farmers.
- Shallow roots of high-density plants require a continuous water supply.
- Transitioning to high-density production poses challenges for smaller farmers.
- Geographical and environmental variations affect crop yields.
- Government agencies and universities have shown limited involvement.
- YouTubers have become influential in guiding farmers through the transformation.
- The adaptability of high-density plants to climate change impacts remains uncertain.
Main AI News:
Apple production in Himachal Pradesh plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy and the livelihoods of its people. Recent advancements in science, technology, and germination techniques have brought about a remarkable transformation in this crucial sector. Ranked second in India’s apple production, Himachal Pradesh accounts for 85% of the total fruit production and nearly 48.8% of the total fruit-growing area.
The growth of apple cultivation over the years paints a compelling picture of “mass horticulture production.” Starting from a mere 500 hectares of land in 1950-51, the apple production area expanded to 5,025 hectares in 1960-61, and by 2021-22, it had reached a staggering 115,016 hectares. This remarkable journey to success can be attributed to the visionary leadership of Yashwant Singh Parmar, the state’s founding Chief Minister.
In a previous article, we delved into the challenges faced by apple farmers in the state, which have caused widespread unrest. The primary issues contributing to this unrest are the escalating cost of production and the unpredictable nature of the market, resulting in fluctuating prices for growers. Large market players have already entered the scene, exerting their influence over apple purchases.
This unrest played a crucial role in the recent Assembly elections, leading to the defeat of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh. The incumbent government has attempted to mitigate the situation by proposing a “universal carton” as an intermediary solution.
Nevertheless, the evolving landscape of apple production represents a significant disruption to the traditional concept of “mass horticulture production.” A firsthand experience during a visit to Gumma in the Kotkhai region sheds light on these changes. A progressive farmer there has ventured into cultivating new imported apple varieties obtained from an Italian nursery.
On an approximately 4,000-square-meter plot, the farmer has planted 1,500 rootstock plants, which differ from conventional apple plants. These high-density cloned varieties exhibit a remarkable distinction—their ability to bear fruit in just three years compared to the traditional method, which took 10-12 years for plants to mature.
The investment required for planting 1,500 such plants amounts to approximately Rs 30 lakh. The cultivation process takes place in a carefully controlled and protected environment. Employing advanced mechanization and digital techniques, the planting method has transitioned from hilly slopes or fields to strategically positioned plants with artificial material covering their base. This approach aims to conserve water and prevent weed growth.
The yield from these plants is significantly higher compared to conventional varieties, almost doubling the production within the given area. Not only Italians but Israelis, Americans, and Belgians are also exploring the potential of the state’s market, further enriching the apple industry.
The Role of AI in Apple Production Transformation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a vital catalyst in the ongoing transformation of apple production. Fasal, an AI company headquartered in Bangalore with investments from Singapore and Australian firms, has been instrumental in providing the fundamental AI architecture.
Their innovative technology enables mapping of soil moisture, monitoring data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) portal, and even offering valuable advice to farmers regarding nutrient and water management. During a visit to Gumma, an apple grower showcased an app that demonstrated the health status of his plants, underscoring the positive impact of AI in this sector.
Thus far, the application of AI in apple production appears promising. Fasal, in exchange for an annual fee of approximately Rs 7,000, collects and analyzes all relevant data. Furthermore, AI technology has the potential to integrate this data with market players, allowing for strategic market interventions and influence over prices.
However, this cropping pattern and the usage of the high-density rootstock plants do present some challenges, as highlighted by Professor Vijay Singh, former vice chancellor of a renowned horticulture university. These plants have shallow roots and require a continuous water supply to survive.
On average, each plant necessitates 10 liters of water per week, which is efficiently delivered through drip irrigation. The potential drawback lies in the fact that high-density plants are heavily dependent on water availability. Any disruptions in the water supply could adversely impact their growth and survival.
Setback to Mass Production
The high-density apple production method has gained significant traction in the apple-growing region of the state. Affluent farmers are rapidly transitioning to this form of cultivation, with capital investments ranging from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 1 crore, depending on the farm’s size. These farmers cite examples from China, Europe, the United States, and other countries where the per-hectare yield is nearly five times higher than that of India. They believe that embracing this production model is crucial to remain competitive in the market.
However, it is essential to note that around 95% of apple farmers cannot bear the financial burden associated with such a transformation. If a large portion of farmers starts shifting to high-density production, it could lead to a collapse of the existing ecosystem in the region. Professor Vijay explains that many growers have already resorted to legal and illegal tapping of water through borewells, which poses additional threats to the fragile ecosystem of the hill state.
Moreover, the geographical and environmental variations in the region further complicate matters. In a single apple orchard, one can witness a wide range of growth stages, from zero to fruit-bearing, due to unpredictable weather conditions. Unseasonal rains, for instance, have recently washed away flowers, severely impacting apple production in the area. Given this unpredictability, it becomes challenging to establish a fixed cropping pattern that ensures consistent yields.
The Transformational Challenges
The current transformation in apple production also reveals the near failure of government agencies, particularly the extension centers of horticulture universities and the acclaimed Pradhan Mantri Krishi Vigyan Kendras. These institutions have shown limited proactive involvement in facilitating this shift. Interestingly, YouTubers have emerged as the driving force behind this transformation, serving as the primary source of guidance for farmers. In the absence of active engagement from university faculty, who struggle to adapt to changing realities, these digital influencers have assumed a prominent role.
While the ongoing changes in apple production are undoubtedly intriguing, questions arise regarding the adaptability of these high-density rootstock plants to the impacts of climate change. Will they withstand the increased incidence of extreme weather events and prove beneficial for farmers in the long run? Only time will reveal the answers. Nonetheless, one thing remains certain—the transformation from “mass horticulture production.”
Conlcusion:
The transformation in apple production driven by advancements in science and technology and the adoption of high-density rootstock plants holds significant implications for the market. The integration of AI technology, such as Fasal, has the potential to optimize production processes, enhance crop monitoring, and provide valuable insights to farmers.
However, challenges related to rising production costs, market unpredictability, and dependency on water availability need to be addressed. The transition to high-density production presents opportunities for affluent farmers to increase yields and compete on a global scale, drawing inspiration from successful models in China, Europe, and the United States. Nonetheless, the vast majority of apple farmers face financial constraints that prevent them from embracing this transformative approach.
The role of government agencies, universities, and influencers in facilitating this transition and addressing environmental variations will be crucial. Ultimately, the market must navigate these changes and adapt to ensure long-term sustainability while considering the resilience of high-density plants in the face of climate change impacts.
