Farmers and gardeners in Himachal Pradesh are grappling with the impacts of climate change. After dealing with the aftermath of heavy rainfall, they are now contending with drought conditions that are threatening their crops and livelihoods.

The southwest monsoon season of 2023, which concluded, was classified as “below-normal” with 6% less precipitation than normal.

Heavy rain and gusty clouds have wreaked havoc in several districts of Himachal Pradesh including Solan, Shimla, Hamirpur and Kullu. Heavy rains and resulting flash flooding have caused extensive damage to farms, barns, local roads, bridges

In Himachal Pradesh, where the BJP-led state government has set its sights on repeating the mission, disgruntled apple growers took to the streets yesterday over the government's "callous approach" to their long-overdue demands.