11 March 2025, New Delhi: Solan is among seven districts in India experiencing a winter rainfall deficit, despite February witnessing 52.3% more rainfall than average. Other affected districts include Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sirmaur. Overall, these regions received less-than-normal precipitation in January and February, leading to a 26% deficit across the state.
According to data from the Department of Environmental Sciences at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan recorded a 33.1% rainfall shortfall from November to February. November and December remained completely dry, despite the usual rainfall being 9.3 mm and 28.9 mm, respectively. In January, only 4.8 mm of rainfall was recorded against the normal 59.4 mm, raising concerns among farmers and the Jal Shakti Department.
While February received 107.8 mm of rainfall—significantly higher than the average 52.3 mm—the overall deficit remains at 33.1%. Dr. Satish Bhardwaj, Head of Department at Dr. YS Parmar University, explained that prolonged water stress has caused irreversible damage to Rabi crops. Additionally, rising temperatures and reduced chilling hours for stone and pome fruits could lead to erratic flowering, negatively affecting both quality and yield.
Ajay Kumar, a vegetable grower from Kasauli, reported a 35% drop in crop yield due to insufficient rainfall and delayed sowing. Similarly, stone fruit growers cultivating plums, peaches, and apricots fear early and irregular flowering, which could result in losses similar to last year.
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