Peach Production Declines Sharply in Himachal’s 'Peach Valley'; 85% Drop in 25 Years
Rajgarh in Sirmaur district, once famously called the "Peach Valley of Himachal," is now facing a significant decline in peach farming. In the last 25 years, peach production has plummeted by almost 85%. Farmers attribute this steep fall to increasing marketing expenses, the impacts of climate change, and the spread of the ‘Phytoplasma’ disease.
In the 1970s, peach orchards in the district covered nearly 5000 hectares, producing around 7,000-8,000 metric tonnes of fruit. However, in 2024-25, the area has shrunk to just 1211 hectares, with a mere 1210 metric tonnes in production. The region was declared the "Peach Valley of Himachal" on May 5, 2005, by then-Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.
During the 70s, a peach box fetched ₹150-200 in Delhi markets, now it barely sells for ₹450. However, marketing expenses have skyrocketed from ₹15-20 per box to ₹200-250, making peach farming economically unviable.
Progressive farmers like Vinod Tomar, Surendra Tomar, and Ravidatt Bhardwaj have shifted to apple, plum, and kiwi cultivation due to better returns. Retired Horticulture Deputy Director Dr. S.K. Katoch emphasized the need for government support in the form of cold storage, refrigerated transport, and food processing units.
Food processing plants in Dhaula Kuan, Bagthan, and Rajgarh—set up in the 70s—are now non-functional. Without immediate intervention, the legacy of the "Peach Valley" might soon fade into history.
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