New Delhi, May 29 -- Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh are increasingly turning to anti-hail nets to protect their orchards, saying the measure has significantly reduced crop damage caused by unpredictable hailstorms.

In a region where horticulture is a primary source of livelihood, especially apple cultivation, the adoption of such protective techniques is becoming more common in response to erratic weather patterns.

Farmers report that hailstorms, which often strike during the crucial fruit development stages, have led to substantial losses in recent years. By installing anti-hail nets over their trees, they say they are able to minimise the physical impact of hailstones, preserving both the quality and quantity of the fruit.

Shield...