At 250 tonnes, this year's production of luscious black and red cherries in Himachal Pradesh, whose economy largely depends on horticulture, is way below the normal yield of 400 tonnes but an improvement over last year's 202 tonnes, an official said.
"This season we expect less than the normal production of cherries. The overall production would be around 250 tonnes," S.S. Verma, a specialist with the state horticulture department, told IANS.
He said there were reports of damage to the cherry crop in orchards located in the higher reaches due to unfavourable climatic conditions, especially the extended chilly conditions during the flowering season from March-end to the first week of April.
The harvesting of cherries is currently in full swing and is expected to continue until the end of June.
Traders say local varieties have been retailing at Rs.100 to Rs.150 per kg in Shimla depending upon the quality, while imported varieties like 'merchant' and 'stella' command Rs.200-250 per kg.
The shelf-life of normal cherry varieties ranges from two to three days, while the top varieties last up to six days.
Fruit production in Himacahl Pradesh is estimated at 653,000 tonnes in 2014-15, compared to 866,000 tonnes in 2013-14. However, in 2013-14 it increased by 55.8 percent over its previous fiscal output, the state's economic survey for 2014-15 has said.
Source - www.freshplaza.com
