In the verdant landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, where apple orchards are a common sight, one man’s innovation has redefined the boundaries of apple cultivation. Hariman Sharma, affectionately known as the “Apple Man of India,” has transformed the agricultural narrative by developing an apple variety that thrives in the plains and warmer regions of the country.
🍏 A Humble Beginning
Born on April 4, 1956, in Gllasin village, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, Hariman Sharma faced adversity early in life, losing his mother just three days after birth. Raised by his adoptive father, Ridhku Ram, in Paniala village, Sharma pursued his education up to matriculation. His passion for agriculture led him to experiment with various crops, ultimately focusing on apple cultivation.
🌱 The Birth of HRMN-99
In 1998, a serendipitous event sparked a revolutionary idea. Sharma planted seeds from discarded apples in his backyard, leading to the growth of a unique apple tree. This tree bore fruit in just three years, defying the conventional belief that apples could only grow in colder climates. Recognizing its potential, Sharma named this variety HRMN-99, an acronym derived from his name.
🌡️ Breaking Climatic Barriers
Traditional apple varieties require chilling temperatures and are typically cultivated at elevations between 5,000 to 8,500 feet. However, HRMN-99 challenged this norm. This low-chilling, self-pollinating variety can flourish at elevations as low as 1,800 feet and withstand summer temperatures up to 45°C. Its resilience makes it suitable for tropical and subtropical regions, expanding apple cultivation beyond the hilly terrains.
🍎 Distinctive Features of HRMN-99
- Appearance: Striped red-over-yellow skin with a glossy finish.
- Taste: Soft, juicy pulp with a sweet-sour flavor.
- Yield: Produces up to 75 kg of fruit per plant annually.
- Growth: Trees reach a height of 12-15 feet, with fruiting commencing in the third year.
- Harvesting: Flowers in early January; fruits are ready for harvest by June.
🌍 Widespread Impact
The HRMN-99 variety has revolutionized apple farming across India. It’s now cultivated in 29 states and Union Territories, including regions like Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the northeastern states. The variety has also been planted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Internationally, HRMN-99 apples are being grown in countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Germany, and Zambia.
🏅 Recognition and Accolades
In January 2025, Hariman Sharma was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian agriculture. His innovation has empowered thousands of farmers, providing them with an additional source of income and contributing to the diversification of agriculture in warmer regions. Sharma’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Innovative Farmer Award by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and the Jagjivan Ram Krishi Abhinav Award.
🛒 Accessing HRMN-99 Saplings
For farmers and horticulturists interested in cultivating the HRMN-99 variety, saplings are available through the Hariman Sharma Apple Nursery. The nursery offers various grafted plants, including tissue culture grafted plants, with prices ranging from ₹70 to ₹300 per plant.
💬 A Message to Aspiring Farmers
Hariman Sharma encourages farmers to embrace innovative agricultural practices, emphasizing that crops like the HRMN-99 apple can bring significant economic benefits, especially in regions where traditional apple cultivation was not feasible. He believes that agriculture and horticulture can bring remarkable changes to the economy of a family.
Hariman Sharma’s journey from a small village in Himachal Pradesh to becoming a national icon exemplifies the power of innovation and determination. His contribution has not only transformed apple cultivation but also inspired countless farmers to think beyond traditional boundaries.
For more information or to place an order for HRMN-99 saplings, visit the Hariman Sharma Apple Nursery website.