Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Una, Himachal Farmers Pioneering Apple Cultivation Success
Some farmers in a warm part of India called Una are growing apples, which is unusual because apples usually grow in cooler places.
One farmer named Hariman Sharma even won an award for creating a special type of apple.
The local government is supporting the farmers.
These farmers, who used to do other jobs, are now growing apples, but it's not always easy.
They face challenges like pests, weather issues, and the apples having a shorter shelf life than apples from colder regions.
They are learning how to make their farms successful and hopefully, sell their fruit.
Farmers in Una, Himachal Pradesh, are successfully growing apples at low altitudes.
Hariman Sharma, an apple innovator, developed the HRMN-99 apple variety and received the Padma Shri.
Una's Deputy Director of Horticulture notes increasing apple cultivation in the region.
Low-chill apple varieties allow cultivation in warmer zones like Una, though with challenges.
Several retired individuals and a former ex-serviceman are now growing apples in Una.
- Who
- Farmers like G.L. Nanda, Mohinder Singh, Hariman Sharma, and others.
- What
- Apple farming success in the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh.
- When
- Ongoing; specific instances from 2005 to 2023.
- Where
- Una district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Why
- To capitalize on the potential of growing low-chill apple varieties in a warmer climate.
Government Support
Farmer Support
Support Needed
Government Support
Some farmers need more government support for guidance and resources.
Farmer Support
The administration is there to support them.
- Location
- Una district, Himachal Pradesh
- Key Apple Variety
- HRMN-99
- Low-Chill Varieties
- Dorsett Golden, Anna, HRMN-99
- Chilling Hours
- 200-300 required for low-chill varieties
- Challenges
- Fruit diseases, erratic weather, fruit flies, and shorter shelf life