The story
Apple growing in Shimla took off after Samuel Evans Stokes brought American Delicious varieties to Kotgarh in 1916. Over the next decades orchards spread across the upper Shimla hills, turning apples into the backbone of the rural economy. Fruit is packed in boxes and sent to Delhi's Azadpur and other mandis, and controlled-atmosphere stores now hold part of the crop. Weather, imports and packing rules decide growers' incomes each year.
In numbers
In Shimla district, apple production in 2017-18 was 251,897 MT, the highest among all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Agricultural Science Digest — apple production in Himachal Pradesh (citing HP Economic Survey 2018-19) · 2020On average Himachal Pradesh produces about 5.5 lakh metric tonnes of apple every year, and the apple economy contributes over ₹5,500 crore to the state's economy every year.
The Tribune — CM: Parala unit will be a boon for apple growers
Ways in for a newcomer
- Grading, packing and cold-storage services for growers
- Apple processing — juice, cider, vinegar, dried slices
- High-density orchard nursery plants
- Transport and commission-agent services to plains mandis
Problems the cluster faces
- Weather shocks — hail, dry spells, untimely snow
- Competition from imported apples
- High packing and transport costs
- Ageing orchards and climate shift to higher altitudes
Businesses to start here
Dehydrated Apple Slices →Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider →Natural Fruit Vinegar →Multi-Fruit Juice and Squash Unit →Cold Storage (Potato, 2000 MT) →Plant Nursery (Fruit / Ornamental) →Moulded Pulp Packing (Egg and Fruit Trays) →