Apple cultivation, which occupies nearly half of the total area under fruit crops and makes nearly four-fifths of total fruit production in Himachal Pradesh, makes a significant contribution to the State’s economy and society. It generates direct and indirect employment for lakhs of workers within and outside the State. Among districts, Shimla and Kullu lead in production and acreage. Under the impact of climate change, Apple cultivation is, however, gradually shifting to higher altitudes in Lahul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts. This spatial shift in Apple cultivation demand that the State Government must focus on the development of the basic infrastructure and training for apple growers in new areas in view of its socio-economic contribution to the State and its market network.
Key words: Apple orchards, Spatio-temporal, production, climate change, high altitudes, infrastructure, training, economy, livelihoods.
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