Even though it arrived later than usual, winter snowfall across Himachal Pradesh has brought much-needed relief to the state’s apple-growing regions, raising hopes of a healthier crop after months of unusual dry conditions. Experts say the snowfall has helped restore soil moisture, provided essential chilling hours, and reduced pest risks at a time when orchards were under visible stress.
After a prolonged rain deficit and failed snowfall since November 2025, fruit belts across Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti had been experiencing warm winters and dry soils, conditions considered unfavourable for apple cultivation.
Snowfall Restores Soil Moisture and Supports Bud Development
The upper reaches of Shimla received two to three spells of snowfall in the last week of January 2026, with the first spell depositing nearly two feet of snow in some areas. Experts say this late snowfall was especially beneficial for orchards that had suffered moisture stress earlier in the season.
“Snow acts as a vital source of moisture for dry soil. As it melts slowly, the water penetrates deep into the ground, reaching plant roots and supporting healthy bud development,” said S. P. Bhardwaj, former head of the Horticulture Research Station at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Mashobra. He added that snow also provides natural insulation to apple trees during their dormant phase, protecting them from sudden temperature fluctuations.
The region had witnessed an unusual contrast this winter, with thick smog and extreme cold in the plains while hill areas experienced bright sunshine and warmer conditions, reflecting a broader shift in winter patterns.
Chilling Hours Crucial for Flowering and Fruit Set
Late snowfall has also helped compensate for the deficit in chilling hours, a critical requirement for apple trees to break dormancy and ensure proper flowering. Chilling hours refer to the total time during winter when temperatures remain at or below 7°C.
Most traditional apple varieties grown in Himachal Pradesh require between 800 and 1200 chilling hours, while older varieties such as Royal Delicious and Red Delicious need up to 1400 hours. Newer and low-chill varieties can grow with fewer cold hours, but consistent winter chill remains essential for overall productivity.
“Snowfall and winter rains provide natural chilling that apples depend on. Even when untimely, snowfall can still play a positive role in supporting yield and fruit quality,” said Harish Chauhan, coordinator of the Himachal Pradesh United Farmers’ Front. He noted that climate change across the Himalayan region has increasingly disrupted traditional winter cycles, affecting apple belts in Himachal, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.
Pest Control, Water Security and Economic Impact
Farm experts also point out that extreme cold and freezing temperatures associated with snowfall act as a natural disinfectant, reducing the presence of pests such as mites and aphids, which pose a major threat to apple trees. Snow additionally serves as a slow-release water reservoir, recharging groundwater and sustaining orchards during dry pre-monsoon months.
Beyond agriculture, snowfall contributes to glacier recharge and snow cover, which are vital for maintaining river flows and drinking water supplies across the state.
The apple economy in Himachal Pradesh is valued at around ₹5,500 crore, supporting nearly two lakh families. The state contributes approximately 35–40 per cent of India’s total apple production, second only to Jammu and Kashmir. With snowfall finally arriving, growers remain cautiously optimistic that the season ahead may still deliver stable yields despite climatic uncertainties.