Himachal Cloudburst Devastates Seraj Valley Apple Orchards, Causing Millions in Losses

The beautiful Seraj Valley of Himachal Pradesh has been struck by tragedy. A recent cloudburst has ravaged apple orchards, leaving behind a trail of destruction and impacting the livelihoods of countless farmers. Apples that were just weeks away from being harvested and sold for ₹100-150 per kg now lie scattered and wasted across the valley floor.

A Lifetime of Work Washed Away

The devastation is not just financial; it represents the loss of years of painstaking work. Savitri, a farmer from Thener village, shared her heartbreaking story. She planted her apple trees when she was a young girl, dedicating her life to nurturing them. Now, in a single, devastating event, she has seen her livelihood washed away, facing losses amounting to lakhs of rupees.

The Impact on Himachal’s Apple Economy

This cloudburst deals a significant blow to Himachal Pradesh’s apple economy. The Seraj Valley is known for its high-quality apples, which are shipped to major markets across the country. The loss of these crops will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the local economy and beyond.