New Delhi: Hariman Sharma, a visionary farmer from the small hamlet of Paniala in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri Award for his groundbreaking contribution to Indian agriculture. His development of the HRMN-99 apple variety, a self-pollinating, low-chilling apple, has transformed the cultivation landscape by making apple farming viable in tropical, sub-tropical, and plain regions.
Unlike traditional apple varieties that require temperate climates and extended chilling hours, HRMN-99 thrives in regions with summer temperatures soaring between 40–45°C. This innovation has expanded apple cultivation to previously unsuitable areas, offering farmers a lucrative crop option while making apples more accessible and affordable for the common man.
Orphaned during childhood, Hariman Sharma’s journey is a tale of perseverance and innovation. Despite limited resources, he completed his matriculation and pursued farming with an enduring passion for pomology. In 1998, Sharma planted seeds from discarded apples in his backyard, one of which remarkably bore fruit in 2001, defying the warm climate of Paniala, located at an elevation of 1,800 feet.
Recognizing the potential of the sapling, Sharma nurtured it and propagated it through grafting, leading to the establishment of a thriving apple orchard. Over the years, he refined his variety, HRMN-99, which is now recognized for its striped red-over-yellow skin, juicy pulp, and high yield—producing up to 75 kg of fruit per plant annually.
In 2012, Sharma’s innovation gained national attention when the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, validated the HRMN-99 variety. Through molecular studies, fruit quality testing, and multi-location trials, the variety’s distinctiveness was confirmed. Supported by the NIF, the HRMN-99 variety has now been cultivated in 29 states and Union Territories, including regions as diverse as Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Northeast.
Sharma’s achievements have been widely recognized over the years. He received the National Award in 2017 from then-President Pranab Mukherjee during the 9th National Biennial Grassroots Innovation Awards. Other accolades include the National Innovative Farmer Award (2016), Kisan Vaigyanik Upadhi (2017), and the National Best Farmer Award (2018). Most recently, he represented India at the 4th ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum in Malaysia in 2023.
The HRMN-99 variety has empowered thousands of farmers, particularly in the Northeast, where large-scale plantations have been supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and other government initiatives. More than 100,000 saplings have been planted across the region, providing farmers with an additional source of income and contributing to economic upliftment.
Beyond its economic impact, the HRMN-99 variety has democratized apple consumption, once considered a luxury, making it affordable and widely available.
Hariman Sharma’s work aligns with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing nutritional access, and creating livelihoods. His Padma Shri recognition underscores the transformative power of grassroots innovation in addressing national challenges and inspiring future generations of farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
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