Introduction

Hariman Sharma, a farmer from Himachal Pradesh, has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian agriculture. Popularly known as the ‘Apple Man of India,’ Sharma has transformed apple cultivation by developing a unique variety that thrives in warmer climates, breaking traditional agricultural barriers.

Journey and Background

Born in Paniala, Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), Sharma faced hardships early in life as he was orphaned in childhood. Despite completing only his matriculation, his passion for farming and pomology drove him to innovate and contribute significantly to the agricultural landscape of India.

Revolutionising Apple Cultivation

Traditionally, apples were believed to grow only in temperate regions with prolonged chilling hours. However, Sharma challenged this notion by developing HRMN-99, a self-pollinating, low-chilling apple variety that can thrive in tropical and sub-tropical regions with summer temperatures reaching 40-45°C. This innovation has revolutionised apple farming, allowing cultivation in regions where it was previously deemed impossible.

The Discovery of HRMN-99

The HRMN-99 variety traces its origins back to 1998 when Sharma planted apple seeds from discarded household apples in his backyard. In 1999, one of these seeds sprouted, and by 2001, it bore fruit despite the warm climate of Paniala, located at an elevation of 1,800 feet. Recognising its potential, Sharma meticulously nurtured the mother plant and propagated it through grafting, ultimately establishing a thriving apple orchard.

Over the next decade, Sharma refined his innovative apple variety through extensive experimentation with grafting techniques. However, his groundbreaking work initially received limited recognition from the farming and scientific communities.

Features and Benefits of HRMN-99

The HRMN-99 apple variety is characterised by:

• Striped red-over-yellow skin and soft, juicy pulp.
• The ability to produce up to 75 kg of fruit per plant annually.
• Adaptability to warm climatic conditions, enabling apple cultivation in non-traditional regions.

Growth and Recognition

• Validated by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in collaboration with ICAR, KVKs, and agricultural universities.
• HRMN-99 cultivated in 29 states and UTs, including tropical and subtropical regions like Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Northeast.
• Planted at Rashtrapati Bhavan and promoted for large-scale adoption.
• Over one lakh saplings planted across northeastern states to enhance farmer livelihoods.

Honors and Achievements

• National Award (2017) – 9th National Biennial Grassroots Innovation Awards.
• National Innovative Farmer Award (2016).
• IARI Fellow Award (2017).
• Kisan Vaigyanik Upadhi by ICAR (2017).
• Represented India at the 4th ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (2023) in Malaysia.

Impact on Farmers and Society

Sharma’s exceptional innovation has significantly impacted Indian agriculture and society by:

• Empowering thousands of farmers with increased income and sustainable livelihoods.
• Making apples more affordable for the common man, breaking the perception of apples as a luxury fruit.
• Contributing to food security and economic growth, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Increased crop diversification, reducing farmers’ dependence on traditional crops.
• Enhanced climate resilience by introducing a variety that thrives in warmer conditions.
• Reduced post-harvest losses due to HRMN-99’s adaptability and durability.
• Boosted rural employment opportunities through orchard expansion and apple-based agro-industries.
• Encouraged sustainable farming practices, inspiring innovation in fruit cultivation beyond traditional apple-growing regions.

Conclusion

Hariman Sharma’s groundbreaking contribution has not only revolutionised apple farming in India but has also provided farmers with new opportunities for income generation. His journey from a small village farmer to a Padma Shri awardee exemplifies resilience, innovation, and dedication. By making apple cultivation accessible in warmer climates, Sharma has set a new precedent in Indian agriculture, ensuring that fresh, nutritious apples reach more people across the country.