Bloom in orchards cheers growers in Himachal

MANALI: Favourable weather conditions and stable temperatures have induced hopes for a good crop of plum, apricot, peaches, cherry and other stone fruits after four years of disappointment. Good snowfall in January and February and a slight rise in temperature have triggered flowering in fruit plantations in Kullu and Mandi districts.
In the past four years, less production had increased demand and price of fruits.Now, growers are concentrating on maintenance of the fruit plantation especially plum which has proved to be a good back up against the apple crop.
Plum grower from Ramshila, Sunil Thakur, said: "I have seen such dense blooming for the first time in the past many years. Some trees in lower Kullu are shedding their petals and small fruits are visible. We would definitely see a good crop this year." Last season, apricot varieties had reached a price of up to Rs 150 per kilogram.
Hailstorms had been the primary reason for destruction of the crop in recent years. Fruit grower from Katrain, Manoj Kumar, said if there are no hailstorms for the next two weeks, they are sure to reap a fine harvest. "Abundance of insects, butterflies and bees in the orchards is a good sign and would help in proper pollination". The apple crop in expected to bloom in a month's time.