In the sunny and hot regions of Maharashtra’s Jath taluka, farmers have overcome climatic challenges by cultivating apples using the specially developed HRMN-99 variety, turning skeptics into admirers.
- Apples grown in 43°C heat with minimal rainfall
- HRMN-99 apple variety needs no chilling period
- Innovative grafting developed in Himachal Pradesh
What happened
Kakasaheb Sawant of Antral village in Maharashtra’s Sangli district has successfully grown apples in one of India’s hottest apple-growing areas. Despite summer temperatures soaring to 43 degrees Celsius and annual rainfall limited to just about 560 mm spread over 30 days, Sawant’s orchard bears heavy fruit. Starting in 2020, he planted 150 saplings of the HRMN-99 apple variety—a resilient cultivar bred to withstand such tough conditions.
This unexpected success captured attention because apples are traditionally grown in cooler climates requiring chilling hours. Sawant’s story began when he purchased this unique variety from Hariman Sharma, a Himachal Pradesh farmer who developed the HRMN-99 by observing and grafting special seedlings. Today, Sawant’s farm is a destination for visitors amazed by the sight of apples flourishing in a region many thought unsuitable for the fruit.
Why it feels good
Seeing apples thrive in heat and drought challenges long-held assumptions about farming limitations and inspires hope for adapting agriculture amidst changing climates. The HRMN-99 variety does not require chilling hours, which are crucial for conventional apple trees to flower and bear fruit. This unique adaptation means that farmers in warmer parts of India can cultivate apples despite rising temperatures and unpredictable weather caused by climate change.
Additionally, this variety resists common fungal diseases that afflict traditional apples when humidity rises during the fruiting season. The innovation offers a sustainable crop option for regions impacted by global warming, providing economic benefits to farmers and diversifying local agricultural practices. Success stories like Sawant’s encourage experimentation and perseverance in farming communities.
What to enjoy or watch next
As the HRMN-99 apple variety gains recognition, further trials and transplantation have been conducted across thousands of farmers' fields by the National Innovation Foundation-India. This scaling effort will determine the broader adaptability of this variety across different agro-climatic zones, potentially paving the way for wider cultivation beyond Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
For those interested in sustainable and innovative farming, following Kakasaheb Sawant’s journey offers a compelling story of courage and creativity. Visitors to his farm get to witness firsthand the miracle of apples thriving where none thought possible, signaling new opportunities for Indian horticulture in the face of climate challenges.