Managing quality and yield of apple production in Kumaon region

Abstract

In temperate region, apple is one of the major fruit crops having a number of high and low chilling cultivars as per the altitude. Among different apple growing states, the production and productivity in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh is increasing, whereas in last few years it is declining in Uttarakhand due to various reasons including poor orchard management practices and attack of insect-pests, diseases and parasitic plants. The existing orchards have become senile as the farmers/orchardists are not adding critical inputs like FYM, recommended fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides as well as pruning and application of Chaubattia paste. The productivity, which was more than 4.0 tonnes/ha, has come down to 3.65 tonnes/ha in 2012-13. Because of poor management practices, a loss of 28- 35% per annum has been estimated in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The production and productivity of apple in this region can be improved substantially by following latest scientific production techniques including low chilling and early maturing cultivars.