Shimla, Dec. 22 -- Horticultural crops in Himachal Pradesh's hilly regions are facing severe moisture stress due to a prolonged absence of winter rains, especially in rainfed areas.
Experts from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, have issued an advisory recommending immediate measures for farmers to mitigate drought impact.
Rainfall patterns in the state have remained erratic, with moderate and irregular distribution. Traditionally, October to December are dry months, and long-term data (1980-2024) indicate that November receives below-normal rainfall in nearly 68.2 per cent of the years. This year, the last recorded rainfall was on October 9, 2025, after which the state has experienced a dry spell of about 70 da...