Shimla, June 25 -- Apple farmers of Himachal are increasingly adopting anti-hail nets to shield their orchards from erratic weather, especially hailstorms that have frequently damaged crops across the high-altitude apple belts of the state. While a drought-like situation earlier in the season had raised concerns, recent rains have revived hope for a good quality apple crop this year.

However, with hailstorms continuing to hit parts of the Shimla district and other regions, farmers are facing fresh challenges. In response, a large number of orchardists have begun installing anti-hail nets, despite the high costs and reduced government subsidy.

Farmer Layak Ram Sharma, from Kandyali village near Narkanda, said the nets have been a crucial...