Hariman Sharma: The Himachali Farmer Revolutionizing Apple Cultivation in Warmer Climates
In the picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh, Hariman Sharma from Ghumarwin, Bilaspur, has achieved a groundbreaking feat in agriculture by developing an apple variety that thrives in warmer climates. Traditionally, apples were believed to grow only in the cold altitudes of the mid and higher hills, but Sharma’s innovation shattered this notion.
Sharma developed the ‘HRMN 99’ variety, which can blossom at altitudes as low as 1,800 feet. Not only does this variety thrive under warmer conditions, but it is also resistant to scab, a common disease that affects apple crops. His innovation has gained recognition not just in India but also in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Zambia, and Germany.
According to Sharma, over a lakh horticulturists have already planted 14 lakh saplings of the HRMN 99 variety. Additionally, the National Innovation Foundation has adopted the variety for research and further development, planting 33,000 saplings across 29 states. Sharma himself has distributed 1.9 lakh saplings to 6,000 farmers, empowering them to diversify their crops and increase their incomes.
This remarkable contribution to agriculture earned Sharma the prestigious Padma Shri award, announced recently. He will be honored in the “Others (Agriculture)” category, recognizing his innovation and its impact on farmers’ livelihoods and the agricultural economy. Notably, Sharma is the only recipient from Himachal Pradesh in this year’s Padma awards list.
Apart from apples, Sharma cultivates mangoes, kiwis, and pomegranates in his composite orchard, showcasing his versatility and dedication to sustainable farming. His efforts are a testament to how innovation can transform traditional practices and open new avenues for growth in agriculture.
