In Una district, once considered too warm for apple , farmers are redefining Himachal’s fruit map with low-chill varieties, organic practices and a new harvest season in June
Hariman Sharma’s success in growing apples at low altitudes in Himachal Pradesh earned him the Padma Shri, but he still carries an unfulfilled wish. The apple innovator from Paniala village in Bilaspur district, whose orchards bloom at just 700 metres above sea level, wanted to personally deliver his homegrown apples to Prime Minister Narendra Modi this June.
“I kept trying to get an appointment with the PM but couldn’t get a suitable date. I wanted to give him apples myself. Maybe next year, next June I’ll meet him with my apples,” says Sharma, who developed the HRMN-99 variety. Until then, he cherishes the memory of the Prime Minister’s warm handshake at the Padma awards ceremony and a congratulatory letter from Union Home Minister Amit Shah that arrived a few days ago.
In neighbouring Una district, G L Nanda ofSaloi village had better luck connecting apples to politics. He met the then chief minister Virbhadra Singh and presented him with apples grown at his home. “Raja Sahib couldn’t believe they were from Una,” says Nanda.
Traditionally, apples have thrived in the cooler, higher elevations of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, Chamba and parts of Sirmour. But that is changing. A new apple belt is emerging in lower Himachal, particularly Una, where apples ripen in summer, not winter. “One can easily spot apple plants across Una, rural or urban. Most people grow three to four plants on average,” says Deputy Director (Horticulture) K K Bhardwaj, who tends to two apple trees—one at his home and another in a nearby
park in Rakkar Colony.
“It’s encouraging to see Una farmers become part of the apple success story. This will boost incomes, and the administration is here to support them,” says Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal. Bhardwaj explains that most apple varieties need 800 to 1,200 chilling hours, with temperatures between 4°C and 7°C in winter.
This makes them suitable for colder regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand and parts of the Northeast. But low-chill varieties like Dorsett Golden, Anna and HRMN-99 require just 200 to 300 chilling hours or even less, making them viable in warmer zones. However, high summer temperatures in Una impact fruit size and colour. “Apple cultivation here is not a bed of roses. It needs constant care and resilience against fruit diseases and erratic weather,” Bhardwaj adds.
G L NANDA, 77 | SALOI
Retired school principal | 635 m | Growing since 2005 | 30 plants on 5 kanal
Inspired by fruit farming during his tenure in Kangra, Nanda began with oranges and then found success with apples. “Once on a bus ride home, I mentioned I grow apples. No one believed me. I stopped the bus and gave them a tour,” he recalls. His apples are organic and free. “I love giving apples to people,” he smiles.
MOHINDER SINGH, 63 | SALOI
A former industrial machin- ery teacher, Singh now tackles fruit flies and weather instead of machines. “We use nets, but flies still get in. We need more government support,” he says. He’s yet to sell any produce. His apples go to friends and family. “But one day, I want to sell my organic fruit,” he saysHis apples were especially sweet in 2023, yielding a quintal. But this year brought only 50 kg, with half the crop destroyed by untimely rain. “Weather plays a huge role. And our apples have a short shelf-life compared to those from upper hills,” he says. Singh wants to expand but needs expert support. “I need guidance to
grow further,” he adds.
SURINDER SINGH, 61 | SALOI
Retired ITI vice-principal | 635 m | Growing since 2011 | 10 plants on 2 kanal
A former industrial machinery teacher, Singh now tackles fruit flies and weather instead of machines. “We use nets, but flies still get in. We need more government support,” he says. He’s yet to sell any produce. His apples go to friends and family. “But one day, I want to sell my organic fruit,” he says
PIARA LAL SAINI, 64 | GURPLAH
Shopkeeper and horticulturist | 434 m | Growing since 2019 | 50 plants on 2 kanal
After returning from Jeori in Rampur Bushahr, where he once ran a hotel, Saini tried his luck with papaya, but it didn’t work out. Apples, however, clicked. Despite pest attacks this season, he harvested three quintals, selling two at ?100 per kg. “I want to scale up to 100 plants,” he says.
GURDIAL CHAND, 77 | TEURI
Retired from Punjab AG Office (Audit) | 402 m | Growing since 2019 | 100 plants on 2 kanal
His apples fetched `30,000 this season. Buyers came fromChandigarh and Ambala. He also gave away 25 to 30 kg for free. “Last year, I had heavy losses,” he says. Now, farming gives him purpose. “I wake up early, pack lunch, and head to the farm. I return at sunset feeling fulfilled,” he says.
VIVEK JOSHI, 38 | BADOLI
Ex-serviceman | 425 m | Growing since 2022 | 100 plants on 4 kanal
A firm believer in technology and quality-over-quantity farming, Joshi uses drip irrigation and plans to market his organic produce commercially. “We focus too much on ‘per acre’, while globally, it’s about ‘per fruit’. We need to rethink,” he says. He sold apples this year at ?100 per kg.
AMARJOT SINGH BEDI, 49 | UNA
Farmer-businessman | 394 m | Growing since 2021 | 380 plants on 2.5 kanal
“Apple is a common man’s fruit. Everyone can afford it, so why not grow it in the plains too?” he argues. Bedi took his case to then Union minister Anurag Thakur and the state government but was told they’d wait for university-backed studies. “Sadly, no such studies are being conducted,” he says. A friend once quipped,“You’re growing apples like grapes.” Bedi took that advice to heart and is now working to fix it.
News Courtesy : Indianexpress