Shimla: In January, Himachal Pradesh recorded a total of 37.6mm precipitation, which was 58% below normal rainfall.
Dry weather conditions have already left farmers, especially apple growers, worried. There were two spells of rainfall and snowfall in the state which were started from January 2 to 7 and from 24. Rest of the days were dry during the month.
According to Shimla meteorological centre officials, in recent years, highest rainfall of 157.6 mm was recorded in Himachal Pradesh in January 2017. It was 62% above normal, while lowest rainfall of 0.1 mm was recorded in 2007, which was 99% below normal.
Missing rain and snow has left farmers, especially apple growers, worried as the required chilling hours will be affected by dry weather. Apple is the most important fruit crop of Himachal Pradesh, which constitutes about 49% of the total area under fruit crops and about 74% of total fruit production.