Hot weather affected cherry production

India was hit by an exceptional heat wave and this hot, dry weather affected production in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This year, farmers were expecting a good cherry harvest but weather conditions had an impact on fruit development. Production should be around 350 tonnes of cherries, roughly the same volume as last year.

 

 

In the state of Himachal Pradesh, the cherry is grown in areas of medium altitude but also in areas over 2,100 meters above sea level. About 10,000 small farmers cultivate cherries on almost 550 hectares. Cherry has become an alternative crop to apple cultivation because it requires very little irrigation compared to other fruits.

 

 

Cherry production, along with apple production, plays an important role in the agricultural economy of the state. Demand for cherries is strong in Delhi and Bengaluru markets, as well as from tourists and growers are fetching good prices.

 

 

In the state of Himachal Pradesh, the harvest usually takes place in May. The varieties grown are Durone Nera, Stella, Merchant, Frogmore Early, Black Heart, Bedford, Prolofik, Emperor, Francis and Celsius.