It could be a second consecutive poor year for Himachal Pradesh's apple crop, according to early estimates by farmers. And many suspect global warming to be the culprit.

This has made apple farmers gloomy as they were expecting a bumper crop this time after last year's poor output was one of the poorest in recent years.

"Even though harvest is three months away, it appears the late winter snows did not cover up for the damage caused by the dry and not-so-cold winter gone by," Lekh Raj Chauhan, president of the state apple grower's association told Commodity Online.

A cold winter along with frequent snow is needed for a good apple crop.

"The apple crop this time in Himachal is expected to be marginally better, but it could still end up as a poor crop at the end of the harvest season in October," Chauhan said.

He said it is high time the state government appointed a team if scientists to study why apple production has been dwindling in Himachal Pradesh. "Some studies have already pointed out that it is the global warming that has led to the dipping production of apples in the state," Chauhan pointed out.

Apple is grown in the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla district alone accounts for about 80 percent of the yield, followed by Kullu, Kinnuar and Solan districts.

According to the state government estimates, apple production in the hill state was 265,000 tonnes last year, less than half the production of 540,000 tonnes two years ago.

In fact, 2005 marked a year that ended a string of four bumper crops.

A good crop is worth Rs.15 billion. It is the main cash crop of the state. Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh produce almost the entire apple crop of India.

Among all fruits, apple is the main crop of Himachal Pradesh occupying the place of pride in its economy. The major commercial varieties grown in the state are: Royal Delicious, Red Delicious, Rich-A-Red Delicious and Golden Delicious.

At present, Himachal Pradesh produces over 4.00 lakh tonnes of apples annually which is cultivated at the altitude ranging between 6,000 to 10,000 ft. above sea level and is free from pollution.