India, Jan. 28 -- Hariman Sharma, an innovative farmer from Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his groundbreaking contributions to agriculture. His pioneering development of HRMN-99, a self-pollinating, low-chilling apple variety, has transformed apple farming by enabling cultivation in tropical, sub-tropical, and plain regions-areas previously deemed unsuitable for apple orchards.
Unlike traditional apple varieties that require extended chilling hours and temperate climates, HRMN-99 thrives even in high summer temperatures of 40-45degC, significantly expanding apple farming across the country.
A journey of innovation and resilience
Orphaned at a young age, Hariman Sharma's inspiring journey from Paniala, a small village in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, to the grand halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan is a testament to perseverance and passion. With education up to matriculation, he pursued his love for farming and pomology, leading to his breakthrough in 1998 when he planted apple seeds from household waste in his backyard. One seedling bore fruit by 2001 despite the warm climate, prompting him to refine and propagate the variety through grafting, ultimately establishing a flourishing orchard.
His remarkable innovation initially gained little recognition, but in 2012, the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) - India, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, scouted and validated his work. Multi-location trials and scientific studies in collaboration with ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and state agriculture departments confirmed the distinctiveness and potential of HRMN-99, leading to its expansion in 29 states and Union Territories.
National and international recognition
For his contributions to agriculture, Hariman Sharma has received numerous accolades, including:
National Award (2017) by Hon'ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee
National Innovative Farmer Award (2016) - Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, GoI
IARI Fellow Award (2017)
Jagjivan Ram Krishi Abhinav Award (2019)
Representation of India at the 4th ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (2023) in Malaysia
His work has benefited thousands of farmers, with over one lakh saplings planted across Northeastern states under government initiatives, providing additional income opportunities.
A fruit for the common man
Characterized by striped red-over-yellow skin, soft juicy pulp, and high yield of up to 75 kg per plant annually, HRMN-99 has not only improved farmers' livelihoods but also made apples more accessible and affordable to the common man. Sharma's innovation is a shining example of how grassroots contributions can drive national progress, aligning with India's sustainable development goals (SDGs).
His recognition with the Padma Shri highlights the power of agricultural innovation in fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment in rural India.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.