By Vishal Gulati
Shimla, May 15 (IANS): At 250 tonnes, this year's production of luscious black and red cherries in Himachal Pradesh, whose economy largely depends on horticulture, is way below the normal yield of 400 tonnes but an improvement over last year's 202 tonnes, an official said.

"This season we expect less than the normal production of cherries. The overall production would be around 250 tonnes," S.S. Verma, a specialist with the state horticulture department, told IANS.

He said there were reports of damage to the cherry crop in orchards located in the higher reaches due to unfavourable climatic conditions, especially the extended chilly conditions during the flowering season from March-end to the first week of April.

At least 10,000 small farmers are cultivating over 20 varieties of cherries on 453 hectares as an alternative fruit crop.

The harvesting of cherries is currently in full swing and would continue till June-end.

The higher reaches of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Kinnaur, at altitudes from 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, are ideal for cherry cultivation.

Grower Vinod Kumar of Kotgarh, the hub of apple and cherry orchards, said the extended chill has caused greater damage to stone fruits like almonds and apricots than to cherries.

Another grower Gopal Mehta, known for his organic fruits, said the pest attack was abnormally high this season. "The farmers who used anti-insect nets managed to protect their crops," Mehta told IANS.

But the low yield has turned the cherry business juicy with the growers getting remunerative prices.

"Ordinary red cherries are fetching around Rs.100 a kg in Delhi's Azadpur wholesale fruit market these days, which is quite good. However, the top quality cherries can get up to Rs.300 a kg," Mehta said.

He said by next week the harvesting of the best varieties like 'black heart', 'bing' and 'deuro nera' would pick up.

Traders say local varieties have been retailing at Rs.100 to Rs.150 per kg in Shimla depending upon the quality, while imported varieties like 'merchant' and 'stella' command Rs.200-250 per kg.

The shelf-life of normal cherry varieties ranges from two to three days, while the top varieties last up to six days.

Cherries are mainly grown in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts. Shimla district alone accounts for more than 80 percent of the state's total production.

Fruit production in Himacahl Pradesh is estimated at 653,000 tonnes in 2014-15, compared to 866,000 tonnes in 2013-14. However, in 2013-14 it increased by 55.8 percent over its previous fiscal output, the state's economic survey for 2014-15 has said.

Besides cherries, the state's major commercial crops include apples, kiwis, strawberries, pears, peaches, apricots, almonds and plums. Apples alone constitute about 89 percent of the total fruit production.

The state's fruit industry is worth about Rs.3,200 crore (over $500 million) a year.