In a groundbreaking agricultural development, a farmer from Karnal, Haryana, has successfully grown heat-tolerant apples, challenging the conventional notion that apples can only thrive in colder climates. This innovation not only promises to reshape horticultural practices in the region but also highlights the increasing importance of climate-resilient farming in the face of rising global temperatures.
Traditionally, apple cultivation in India has been confined to the cooler states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. However, with Haryana experiencing extreme heat during summers, it was long considered unsuitable for growing apples. Defying these climatic limitations, Bhupinder Singh, a progressive farmer from the village of Manglora in Karnal district, planted heat-resistant apple varieties such as Anna and Dorsett Golden, which can thrive in temperatures up to 40°C.
Singh, who began his apple experiment in 2020, adopted high-density plantation methods and used drip irrigation systems to manage water efficiency. Within just a few years, his orchard began bearing fruit, with yields and quality surprising both local farmers and horticulture experts. “These apples have adapted well to the local climate and require less chilling hours compared to traditional varieties,” Singh explained. “They ripen early and can be harvested as early as June.”
The success of Singh’s orchard is prompting the Haryana Horticulture Department to consider large-scale promotion of such crops. According to department officials, more than 500 farmers have already expressed interest in switching to heat-tolerant apple cultivation, viewing it as a sustainable and profitable alternative to traditional crops like wheat and rice, which are water-intensive and less climate-resilient.
Experts highlight that such innovations are crucial as Indian agriculture faces increasing threats from climate change, including heatwaves, unpredictable monsoons, and water scarcity. Dr. R.K. Sharma, a senior horticulturist at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, noted, “Singh’s model showcases how scientific crop selection and modern agricultural practices can enable diversification and income stability for farmers even in adverse weather conditions.”
Moreover, heat-tolerant apples open new economic opportunities. These apples reach markets earlier than their Himalayan counterparts, allowing Haryana farmers to tap into premium prices. They also reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses due to proximity to major consumption centers like Delhi and Chandigarh.
