Context:

High-density apple varieties and AI in production have benefits like increased investment and mechanisation, but also cause industry disruption in Himachal Pradesh.

Apple’s Role in State’s Economy and Political Scenario:

• In 1950-1951, 500 ha of land were under apple production; this rose to 5,025 ha by 1960-61; and 1,15,016 ha by 2021-22.
• Apple plays a major role in State’s Economy and Employment.
• Increasing cost of production and GST hike triggered protests in the State.
• Big players are already influencing the purchase of crop.
• Unrest over apple issues contributed to party’s loss in Assembly polls.
• Government announced the implementation of Agriculture Produce Market Committee and universal cartons for packaging.

Difference between the conventional method of plantation and the new varieties:

• Maturing cycle: The earlier plants would mature in 10-12 years whereas the rootstock varieties start bearing fruit in three years. 
• Plantation: Earlier, saplings were planted on hilly slopes or in fields, whereas the new ones are planted in proximity, with the base covered by artificial material to ensure that water is conserved and the growth of weeds is checked. 
• Productivity: Under this new method of cultivation, production is twice as much as what the conventional method yielded.

Role of AI in production:

• AI plays a pivotal role in production. 
• Fasal, an AI Bengaluru-based company is providing the basic architecture of AI to map the soil moisture, read the IMD portal and advise the farmer on providing nutrients and water to the plant. 
• Fasal also explains the health of the plants and collates all the data.

Shifting of farmers in Himachal:

• These high-density varieties are making massive inroads into Himachal. 
• Rich farmers are shifting to this form of production where the capital cost of investment varies between ₹30 lakh and ₹1 crore depending on the size of the farm. 
• But 95% of the apple farmers cannot bear the burden of this transformation. 

Effects of this transformation:

• Most of the farmers have started tapping water legally and illegally through boring, which could disturb the ecosystem. 
• Further, geographical and environmental variations are unpredictable. With these variations, it is difficult to ensure a set pattern of cropping. 
• This transformation also points to the near-complete failure of government agencies, particularly the extension centres of horticulture universities and the much-touted Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

Way Ahead:

It is YouTubers who are the guiding leaders of this transformation, not faculty from universities. Hence, there is a need for more awareness and collaboration among various organs of governance and society.

News Source: The Hindu