Lahaul-Spiti, July 23, 2025: The relentless torrential rains continuing in Himachal Pradesh’s tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti have left farmers and horticulturists in despair. The monsoon’s wrath is now visibly impacting crops, raising fears of losses amounting to millions of rupees and potentially affecting the local economy significantly.
Pea and Potato Crops at Risk in Lahaul Valley:
Lahaul Valley is renowned across the country for its high-quality peas and off-season potato crops, which are the primary source of income for local farmers. However, continuous rainfall over the past few days has led to waterlogging in the fields.
Pea Crop: Excessive moisture in pea vines has increased the risk of fungal infections and root rot diseases. If the sun doesn’t shine soon, the crop could be destroyed in the fields, leading to heavy losses for farmers.
Potato Crop: Similarly, waterlogging in potato fields raises concerns about the rotting of tubers. Experts believe that if the situation doesn’t improve quickly, both quality and yield will be negatively affected.
Concerns in Spiti Valley as well:
Although Spiti Valley receives less rainfall than Lahaul and is a cold desert region, even the relatively high rainfall in some lower areas has worried farmers. Even where water for irrigation is scarce, excessive moisture can damage crops.
Threat of Fungal Diseases to Horticultural Crops:
Horticulture is also a significant agricultural activity in Lahaul-Spiti, with apples, apricots, and other temperate fruits being cultivated.
- Apple Crop: Horticulturists are most concerned about the apple crop. Continuous moisture has heightened the risk of ‘scab’ and other fungal diseases spreading, which could degrade the quality of the fruits. Pesticide spraying is also proving ineffective due to the ongoing rain.
- Other Fruits: Other fruit crops like apricots and pears are also facing threats from pests and diseases.
Economic Impact and Farmers’ Demands:
The ongoing crop damage will directly impact the livelihoods of farmers and horticulturists in Lahaul-Spiti. Many farmers have demanded that the government conduct surveys and provide appropriate compensation. Officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments are monitoring the situation and continuously advising farmers on how they can protect their crops, such as ensuring proper drainage or applying disease-resistant sprays when the weather clears.
