A Comparative Analysis of Apple Production Across Districts in Himachal Pradesh: Exploring Time Series Trends and Growth Rates

Abstract

Apples (Temperate fruit) contributed significantly 81.2% to the total horticultural output in Himachal Pradesh in the year 2021-22. With the growing interest among youth over apple crop cultivation, the variations in apple production across different districts have also highlighted the importance of comprehensive understanding of trends and patterns in apple crop production. Consequently, the present study aimed to analyze apple production across districts of Himachal Pradesh, taking into consideration time series analysis, district wise production, and growth rate evaluation. The study examines the trends, growth rates, and variation in apple crop production across different districts of Himachal Pradesh, India, over a decade (2012-2022). The analysis of district wise data reveals diverse growth patterns, with some districts experiencing substantial increases in both area and apple production, while other face challenges with fluctuations in production despite moderate growth in area. The study compares district wise production and evaluates growth rates to identify districts that have experienced higher or lower rates of growth over time. The one-way ANOVA analysis confirms that the production of apple crop varies significantly across different districts in Himachal Pradesh. The regression analysis demonstrates a strong positive relationship between the area of apple crop and apple production with approximately 72.6% of the variation in production explained by the area. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to formulate strategies that support sustainable agricultural development and address specific challenges faced by districts.