‘Apple man’ of Himachal conferred with Padma Shri

Hariman Sharma, once mocked for his idea of apple cultivation in the lower parts of Himachal Pradesh — an area known for oranges and mangoes — has now been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Through his unwavering dedication and conviction, Sharma successfully cultivated a disease-resistant variety of apple at just 1800 ft above sea-level, challenging the belief that apples could not be cultivated in warmer climates.

Starting his journey in 1990 with a small nursery at his native Paniyala village in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur district, Sharma began exploring apple cultivation in the lower regions of Himachal in 1999, which were considered unsuitable and too warm for apple cultivation. In 2007, his efforts bore fruit, literally, as his apple plants began to flourish, surprising many, including the state’s scientists who had previously discouraged him from pursuing such a venture in the warmer areas. His success has now earned him the recognition and honour of the Padma Shri from the Government of India this year.

Speaking to The Tribune, Hariman Sharma said he is thankful to the Government of India for selecting him for the Padma Shri Award in recognition of his work. He said he had received 15 national awards and 10 state awards for his innovative works in horticulture, but this recognition would not only boost his morale but also encourage innovative farmers to come up with new farming techniques and ideas.

Notably, Hariman Sharma has propagated apple variety known as HRMN-99 that could be cultivated in hot areas having temperature up to 46 degree Celsius in summer. “Apple roots developed by me are bearing fruits in 27 states of the country and have also been exported to Nepal, Bangladesh, Germany and South Africa,” he added.

Sharma said the demand of plants is increasing and he is dispatching over 3.5 lakh plants every year. “Apart from apple he is also dealing with supply of fruits like mango, avocado and litchi,” he says.

In a message to farmers, Hariman Sharma said people should take agriculture and horticulture seriously as these could bring remarkable changes in the economy of a family. He said apple in lower reaches could get more income as it gets ready earlier than that of high hills.