INTRODUCTION

Himachal accounts 20% of the total apple production in India as

of 2023-2024 data. Apples are the most widely consumed fruit. It
is considered the most profitable fruit crop because of its high
consumption and medicinal value. Due to varied nutrient content,
apple can be a helpful component of a balanced diet. Apple
contains antioxidants, vitamins, dietary fibers and a range of
other necessary nutrients. Eating apple may be helpful to reduce
the risk of cancer, obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Apple
contain many nutrients that may lower the risk of stroke. Apple
contain vitamin A,E and C. They also contain variety of B vitamins
such asB1,B2,B6 and B9.Apple is more disease resistant with
longer shelf life. In Himachal Pradesh Shimla district often called
the Apple city of India, is renowned for its apple orchards and the
variety of apples grown there. The top apple varieties grown in
Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh include Red delicious, Golden
delicious, Fuji, Gala, Red cap valtod, Red velox etc. These apples
are known for their sweetness, crispness, and are often used in
cooking and snacking. Natural systems ,human health and
agricultural production have been badly affected by devastating
environmental changes (Arunanondchai et al.,2018).A significant
change in the weather patterns based on statistical distribution
and the change persisting for an extended period of time (typically
decades to many years) is referred to as climate change. Climate
change and increasing climatic variability are recently considered
a matter of concern worldwide. Due to emission of greenhouse
gases to the atmosphere and its affect is more visible on fruit
crops because of their perennial nature. This climatic change
adversely affect crop physiology, biochemistry, biotic stress like
disease pest incidence, which ultimately results in reduction of
yield and quality of fruit crop(Rajatiya et al.,2018).Climate change
can be caused due to some factors like biotic or natural process,
external forcing, solar radiations received by earth that cause
warming up of its surface. Himachal Pradesh is located between
33°22' and 33°12'N latitude and 75°47 and 79°4' East longitude. In
Himachal Pradesh, climate is the most important factor that
affects the fruit crop distribution and on the basis of temperature,
Himachal Pradesh has 3 main regions viz., temperate, sub
temperate and sub tropical. Apple is most commercial crop
grown in temperate region of Himachal Pradesh having share of
about 48 percent in area and 76 percent in production among fruit
crops. It contributes 2.8 percent of total fruit production of
country(Department of Horticulture, 2016-17).
Apple mostly require a chilling period of about 1000-1600 hours at
or below 7°C along with short days and cool nights that is
possible only at higher altitude (Awasthi et al. 2001).
Warmer winters due to climate change are reducing the number
of chilling hours available, making it difficult for Apple trees to
flower and produce fruit,leading to a decline in apple yield.
Unpredictable weather, including drought and heavy rainfall, can
also damage apple plants and reduce their fruit-bearing capacity.
Climate change can result in Increased Pest and disease
incidence and also disturb the timing and effectiveness of
pollination, leading to lower fruit set and reduced yield.
With the objective of apple varieties and impacts of climate
change on apple production, the present study will be conducted
in the Junga panchayat of Shimla (HP)

REVIEW LITERATURE

(Basavaraj Basannagari,2013)In this research of land use

patterns, he concludes that the change is due to climate change ,
and that most of the area that was previously under the frame has
been replaced by the production of coarse grains, seasonal
vegetables, and other horticulture species. Farmers perception
are backed up by scientific evidence indicating changes in the
Indian Himalayan climate.

(Gautam,2015) This study has its focus on the factors related to

climate changes and how these have affecting the apple crop
Production in the state Himachal Pradesh. It also talks about
various factors which have made apple production a difficult
task.

Firdous Ahmad Wani,2017) Mention about the marketing

strategies related to apple fruit in Himachal Pradesh and the
basic prerequisites for Apple Cultivation. They have assessed the
contribution of apples in State GDP and studied area and
Production of Horticultural products in Himachal Pradesh.
(Bhattacharya,2018) has given a detailed description about the
fact that how are under apple production has increased over the
years and it has emerged as one of the most important crops in
the State. At the same time this study finds a Mention about the
varying trends in production due to the impact of climatic factors
and incidence of pest and diseases.

Negi(1982), gave a brief account of the temperate,tropical and

subtropical fruits grown in India and among this emphasis was on
the main fruits grown in the hills such as apple,peach,pear and
plum.The different varieties, origin and affecting diseases have
been discussed in detail for the year 1981-82 only.The setting up
of fruit stations, Himachal pradesh marketing and processing
corporation in Himachal by the government for strengthening the
growth of orchard cultivation has also been mentioned.
 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The present study will be an attempt to know the present apple

varieties in study area and impacts of climate change on apple
production.
Hence, this research aims to identify the apple varieties and
impacts of climate change in their cultivation and production in
Junga panchayat of Shimla District HP.
The three specific objectives of the Study:
1 To assessing the various varieties of apple in study area.
2 To Examine the impact of climate change based on primary
data.
3 To study the production of apple in Junga Panchayat of Shimla
district.

This paper states that there are different varieties of apples like
Red delicious, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Red cap Valtod, Red velox,
Super chief etc.. Impact of climate change on apple production is
seen in the study area like Reduced chill hours, Rising
temperature, Impact on flowering and fruit set etc.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
The statement of the problem for the present study is impact of
climate change in the Junga Panchayat of district Shimla HP in
apple cultivation and production.
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In order to accomplish the objectives of the study, it is essential
to articulate the manner in which it is to be conducted, i.e., the
research process is to be carried out in a certain framework. The
Research Methodology, which follow is the backbone of the study.

A qualitative and quantitative research methodology with a case

study research design has been chosen. The case described in
this research is based on field data collection on research trips.
Both statistical data and official statements are used to support
the case analysis. This research makes use of two types of data
.The first is the secondary source materials obtained from past
studies on apple varieties and impacts of climate change on
apple cultivation and production. The second is primary data
obtained through a questionnaire survey of apple varieties and
climate change impacts in selected villages. The respondents
have been randomly selected from this study area.

To study the apple varieties and climate change impacts on apple

cultivation and production in Shimla , a survey will be conducted
in three villages of Junga (Shimla), through personal interviews
with farmers with the help of a questionnaire. During 25
respondents from each village Tikker, Padreu and Koti
respectively i.e., a total of 75 will be taken. For the collection of
relevant data, a detailed questionnaire will be prepared involving
various aspects such various apple varieties, impacts of rising
temperature, reduced chill hours and impact on flowering and
fruit set and state of awareness among farmers.
Research methodology is a way to systematically investigate the
research problem. It gives various steps in conducting the
research in a systematic and logical way. It is essential to define
the problem, state objectives and hypothesis clearly. The
research design provides the details regarding what, where, when,
how much and by what means inquiry is initiated. The researcher
must have an objective understanding of what is to be done, what
data is needed, what data collecting tools are to be employed and
how the data is to be statistically analyzed and interpreted. There
are a number of approaches to the design of studies and research
projects all of which may be equally valid. Research is a
systematic attempt to obtain answers to meaningful questions
about phenomenon or events through the application of scientific
procedures. It is an objective, impartial, empirical and logical
analysis and recoding of controlled observation that may lead to
the development of generalizations, principles or theories,
resulting to some extent in the prediction and control of events
that may be consequences or cause of a specific phenomenon.
Research is a systematic and refined technique of thinking,
employing specialized tools, instruments and procedures in order
to obtain a more adequate solution to a problem than would be
possible under ordinary means. Thus, research always starts with
a question. There are three objectives of research factual,
practical and theoretical, which gives rise to three types of
research: historical, experimental and descriptive.
Research design has been defined by different social scientists in
a number of ways. All these definitions emphasize systematic
methodology in collecting accurate information for interpretation.
Selltize et al.(1962) expressed their views, "Research designs are
closely linked to investigator's objectives. They specify that
research design are either descriptive or experimental in nature."
Research design tell us how to plan various phases and
procedures related to the formulation of a research effort.
Miller(1989) has defined research design, "as the planned
sequence of the entire process involved in conducting a research
study.

RESEARCH DESIGN
A descriptive survey method will be used for the present study.

Population Of The Study

To study the apple varieties with impacts of climate change on
apple production and cultivation in Shimla, a survey will be
conducted in three villages of Junga panchayat of Shimla, through
personal interviews with farmers with the help of a questionnaire.

Sample Size
During the survey 25 respondents from each village Tikker, Padreu
and Koti respectively I.e., a total of 75 will be taken.

Data Collection Tool

1) Primary data : For the collection of relevant data, a detailed
questionnaire will be prepared involving various aspects such as
apple varieties, impact of climate change like rising temperature,
reduced chill hours and impact on flowering and fruit set and
state of awareness among farmers.
2) Secondary data: Secondary data means data collected by
someone else earlier. Surveys, observations, experiments,
questionnaire, websites, books, journal articles, internal records,
etc.

Method of data analysis

The analyzed data will be used to prepare the report from which
inferences will be drawn and conclusions will be arrive.
 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the results discussed in the previous sections, the

following conclusion can be made. The assessment of apple
varieties in Junga(Shimla) highlights the diversity of cultivar
available and the varying characteristics they exhibit. In Junga
Shimla, apple varieties like Red chief, Gale Gala, Super Chief, Red
Fuji, are traditional varieties and some are imported varieties like
Red Velox, Redlum Gala, and Auvil Early fuji are popular among
farmers. These varieties exhibit varying traits, including fruit size,
shape, color, acidity and flowering, harvesting time. Some
cultivars, like super chief are known for high spur density and low
fruit drop. While others like Gale Gala show earlier maturity.
Climate change is negatively impacting apple production and
cultivation in Shimla H.P leading to 30% reduction in yield due to
shorter life spans of tress, and increased pest and disease issues.
Warmer winters and irregular rainfall patterns are contributing to
these problems. Farmers face challenges when dealing with
unpredictable weather patterns, such as drought, floods, or
extreme heat which can negatively impact apple production.
Apples are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including
apple scab, codling moth, aphids, and fire blight. Maintaining
good soil health and fertility is crucial for successful apple
cultivation. To mitigate the effect of climate change farmers can
adopt by developing new, high yielding apple varieties,
implementing efficient irrigation and water management
techniques, and utilizing technologies like shade cloths and
orchard fans to regulate temperature.
 DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

. The Study will be delimited to the Junga Panchayat of distt.

Shimla only.
. The Study will be further delimited to the farmers of the village
Tikker, Padreu, and koti only.
. Further only 75 respondents farmers will be selected for the
present study.
 OUTLINE OF CHAPTER HEADING

CHAPTER 1:- INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2:- APPLE VARIETIES & CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON
APPLE PRODUCTION
CHAPTER 3:- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 4:- ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATIONS
CHAPTER 5:- CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES
 REFERENCES

* Basannagari,B.,and Kala, C.P.(2013).Climate change and Apple

Farming in Indian Himalayas :A study of Local Perceptions and
Responses. PLOS One.8(10).

* Gautam,H.R.,I.M.Sharma and R.H.Kumar (2014),"Climate

change is affecting Apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh,
"current science, 106(4):498-499.
* Mehta,P.,R.K. Thakur and S. Chauhan (2013)," Production and
marketing of Apple fruit crop a study Premise to Shimla District
of Himachal Pradesh, India "International Journal of Bio-
resource and stress management, 4(4):610-613.
* Sharma, H.R.(2011)"Crop Diversification in Himachal
Pradesh: Patterns, Determinants and challenges, "Indian
Journal of Agricultural Economics, 66(4):97-114.
* Wani,F.A.(2017). Production and Marketing of apple in
Himachal Pradesh: An Empirical Study. International Journal of
Research Culture Society, 34-40.