Hariman Sharma, a visionary farmer from Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his groundbreaking agricultural innovation—the HRMN-99 apple variety. This self-pollinating, low-chilling apple thrives in tropical and sub-tropical climates, revolutionizing apple farming across 29 Indian states and Union Territories. Sharma’s dedication has not only expanded apple cultivation beyond traditional regions but also empowered farmers with new income opportunities.
Revolutionizing Apple Cultivation in India
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Innovation | HRMN-99 Apple Variety |
| Special Feature | Thrives in 40-45°C temperatures |
| Recognition | Padma Shri 2024, National Award for Grassroots Innovation (2017) |
| Impact | Expanded apple farming to tropical and sub-tropical regions |
| Adoption | 100,000+ saplings planted in North-Eastern states |
| Scientific Validation | Supported by NIF, ICAR, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras |
| Official Website | National Innovation Foundation |
A Breakthrough in Tropical Apple Farming
Apple cultivation in India has traditionally been confined to temperate regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. However, Sharma’s HRMN-99 variety defies this limitation by flourishing in high-temperature regions where conventional apple farming was considered impossible.
- Survives in 40-45°C temperatures, making it suitable for plains and warmer climates.
- Requires low chilling hours, eliminating dependence on cold weather conditions.
- Grows successfully across 29 Indian states, increasing apple availability.
The Inspiring Journey of Hariman Sharma
Sharma’s success story began in 1998 when he experimented with discarded apple seeds in his backyard in Paniala, Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh).
- By 2001, a plant bore fruit despite the warm climate.
- Over a decade of grafting and refinement, HRMN-99 was developed.
- The variety produces up to 75 kg of apples per plant annually.
Validation and Support from Scientific Institutions
Despite early skepticism, Sharma’s innovation was validated through rigorous trials and research:
- In 2012, the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) recognized HRMN-99.
- ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras conducted molecular studies confirming its viability.
- Multi-location trials facilitated widespread adoption among Indian farmers.
Empowering Farmers with New Opportunities
HRMN-99 has significantly impacted the Indian agricultural landscape:
- 100,000+ saplings have been distributed across the North-Eastern states.
- Farmers in non-traditional apple-growing areas now have access to high-yield crops.
- The variety helps reduce apple imports, promoting domestic agricultural self-reliance.
National and International Honors
Hariman Sharma’s relentless efforts have earned him numerous prestigious awards:
- Padma Shri (2024) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
- National Award for Grassroots Innovation (2017).
- National Innovative Farmer Award (2016).
- Represented India at the 4th ASEAN-India Grassroots Innovation Forum in Malaysia (2023).
A Model for Grassroots Innovation
Sharma’s HRMN-99 apple variety is a testament to the power of grassroots innovation in agriculture. His work paves the way for:
- Expanding apple farming to new regions, increasing farmer incomes.
- Reducing dependency on temperate climate conditions for apple production.
- Encouraging scientific research and farmer-led innovations for sustainable agriculture.
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