Author(s):

Aditya and SK Bhardwaj

Abstract: The climatic changes with respect to rise in temperature, erratic precipitation and lack of chilling hours have affected the hill horticultural production system adversely. A study was conducted to identify the climatic suitability for optimum production of major temperate fruit crops in high and mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. Using Geographical Information System (GIS), the suitability analyses were performed with digital processing of geo-referenced data on topography, climate, soil and land cover. The potential production areas for each crop were identified by ArcGIS spatial analyst. The study revealed that the higher reaches such as Manali, Bhang, Naggar and Raisan in Kullu; Kotgarh, Jubbal, Kumarsain, Chopal and Rohru of Shimla and Kinnaur district covering Sangla, Kalpa, Sharbo and Pooh were highly suitable for growing apple. Whereas, the areas comprising of Bajaura and Bhuntar in Kullu; Karsog, Nagwain and Jhanjheli in Mandi; Theog area in lower parts of Shimla district were moderately suitable for apple cultivation. The suitability map for sub temperate fruit crops indicated that Kandaghat, Kunihar and Dharampur in Solan and Rajgarh area of Sirmaur district were highly suitable for peach, plum and apricot. However, Nalagarh in Solan and Rohru in Shimla district have become marginally suitable zones for sub temperate fruit crops. It was further revealed that out of the total area under apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, 26.89 per cent area was found to be highly suitable and 19.89 per cent was found moderately suitable. However, 24.76 percent area has now become non suitable for apple cultivation. Out of the total area for sub temperate fruit crops, 55.18 per cent has become highly suitable, 34.58 per cent has been converted into marginally suitable, 46.86 percent as moderately suitable and 42.24 percent has become non suitable for stone fruits.

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