Shri Hariman Sharma, an innovative and dedicated farmer from Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri for his exceptional contributions to Indian agriculture. The Government of India recognized his remarkable achievements in advancing apple cultivation in non-traditional regions. Shri Sharma developed the HRMN-99 apple variety, which has transformed apple farming by allowing it to thrive in the tropical climate of India, paving the way for nationwide apple cultivation
HRMN-99 is a self-pollinating, low-chilling variety that grows in tropical and sub-tropical areas, flourishing in temperatures between 40-45°C, thus broadening the scope of apple farming across various Indian states and Union Territories. The variety has been registered by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), New Delhi, through the ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar being the DUS center for temperate fruits and nuts.
The registration of HRMN-99 by the PPV&FRA, New Delhi, offers dual protection by safeguarding both the variety and its denomination. Traditionally, apple cultivation requires a cold climate with chilling hours (the number of hours below 7°C during dormancy). However, with advancements in horticultural practices and the development of low-chill apple varieties like HRMN-99, apple farming is now feasible in some of India’s low-chill regions.
The HRMN-99 variety has been gaining traction in the warmer parts of India, allowing successful apple cultivation in areas once considered unsuitable. States such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Manipur are now cultivating HRMN-99. Apples grown in the lower reaches and tropical regions tend to mature earlier, which increases demand and profitability. The development and promotion of indigenous varieties like HRMN-99 is a significant step toward achieving an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by reducing imports and boosting exports.
