Himachal Pradesh Faces Drought-Like Conditions as Dry Weather Affects Agriculture

Himachal Pradesh is currently experiencing drought-like conditions, with nearly three months of minimal rainfall severely affecting agriculture and horticulture. Key crops such as wheat, apples, and garlic are showing signs of stress, raising concerns about reduced production. Farmers report disrupted sowing schedules and weakened crops, particularly in districts like Kullu and Una. The situation is dire for apple growers, who worry about insufficient chilling hours necessary for healthy fruiting. Experts warn that without adequate moisture, yields could decline significantly. As the state awaits rain, the agriculture department predicts potential crop losses and delays in horticultural activities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 12:37 IST

Severe Dry Spell Impacts Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh is currently grappling with drought-like conditions nearly three months after the monsoon season ended, as extended periods of dry weather severely impact both agriculture and horticulture.

With approximately two and a half months of minimal rainfall, essential crops such as wheat, apples, garlic, and Kangra tea are exhibiting signs of distress, raising concerns about a potential decline in overall production this year.

Farmers across various districts report that the lack of soil moisture has disrupted planting schedules and weakened existing crops. In many regions, wheat sowing has been delayed or remains unfinished, while orchards are suffering from insufficient moisture levels.

Wheat Sowing Affected, Rabi Crops Turning Yellow

The effects are particularly evident in rabi crops. In Kullu district, nearly 60% of rabi sowing has not been completed, and crops that have been planted, including garlic, peas, barley, and wheat, are turning yellow. Out of approximately 18,000 hectares typically cultivated for rabi crops in the district, large areas remain dry.

Horticultural activities have also slowed down, with growers unable to dig pits for new orchards or perform routine maintenance.

In Una, wheat fields have completely dried up, and groundwater levels in wells have decreased by about 10 feet compared to the monsoon season. In Chamba district, nearly 10% of farmers are still waiting for rain to begin wheat sowing.

Kangra district is experiencing a similar predicament, especially in the rain-fed Changar areas, where around 10% of farmers have not been able to sow wheat due to a lack of irrigation.

Of the roughly 92,000 hectares designated for wheat cultivation in the district, rain-fed areas are the most affected. In Mandi, sowing remains incomplete on about 11,000 hectares, although farmers have managed to cover approximately 82% of the targeted area.

Concerns Among Apple Growers Over Insufficient Chilling Hours

The ongoing dry spell has raised concerns among apple growers, particularly regarding the lack of chilling hours, which are crucial for healthy flowering and fruiting. Farmers report difficulties in planting new apple varieties, kiwi, Japanese fruits, and other saplings due to moisture shortages. Regions such as Karsog, Seraj, Naggwai, and parts of Dharampur, Gopalpur, and Drang, which rely heavily on rainfall, are especially at risk.

Experts caution that without adequate moisture, flowering in orchards could be negatively impacted, leading to reduced yields. Fruit-producing areas for apples, pears, citrus fruits, litchis, pomegranates, and galgal are all under scrutiny.

Kangra Tea and Garlic Crops Under Threat

The drought-like conditions are also jeopardizing Kangra tea, which typically sees an annual production of around 10 lakh kg from regions like Dharamshala, Palampur, Baijnath, Bir, and Chauntra. Tea growers warn that if rain does not arrive by January, production could decline as dry soil hampers nutrient absorption, affecting new leaf growth in March.

In Sirmaur district, nearly 20% of the garlic crop has already suffered damage due to moisture stress, particularly in areas such as Sainj Dhar, Dhar Tidhhar, Giripar, Rajgarh, and Pachhad. The agriculture department had aimed to produce 60,000 metric tonnes of garlic across 4,050 hectares this season. Farmers express frustration as the crop fails to thrive despite high input costs.

Agriculture department officials have warned that if the dry conditions persist for another two weeks, crop losses could range from 5% to 10%. Meanwhile, horticulture authorities indicate that the distribution of fruit plants has been delayed due to unfavorable conditions, further heightening growers’ concerns as Himachal Pradesh anxiously awaits rain.