Hariman Sharma: The Apple Man of India Honored with Padma Shri

Shri Hariman Sharma, a visionary farmer from Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri for revolutionizing Indian agriculture. His development of the HRMN-99 apple variety has transformed apple cultivation, enabling it to thrive in tropical and subtropical regions. This innovative, self-pollinating, low-chilling apple variety has expanded apple farming beyond traditional temperate zones, benefiting farmers and consumers alike. Shri Sharma’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a national icon reflects the transformative potential of grassroots innovations.

Key Highlights

Journey and Background

• Born in Paniala, Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), and orphaned in childhood.
• Completed education till matric and pursued farming and pomology with passion.
• Overcame challenges to innovate and contribute significantly to agriculture.
• Innovation: HRMN-99 Apple Variety
• Developed in 1998 by planting seeds from discarded apples in his backyard.
• Thrives in warm climates (40-45°C) and at elevations as low as 1,800 feet.
• Unique features
• Self-pollinating and low chilling requirement.
• Produces up to 75 kg of fruit per plant annually.
• Soft, juicy pulp with striped red-over-yellow skin.

Expansion and Recognition

• Validated by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in collaboration with ICAR, KVKs, and agricultural universities.
• HRMN-99 is now cultivated in 29 states and UTs, including tropical and subtropical regions like Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Northeast.
• Planted at Rashtrapati Bhavan and promoted for large-scale adoption.
• Over one lakh saplings planted across northeastern states for farmer livelihood enhancement.

Awards and Achievements

• National Award (2017) during the 9th National Biennial Grassroots Innovation Awards.
• National Innovative Farmer Award (2016).
• IARI Fellow Award (2017).
• Kisan Vaigyanik Upadhi by ICAR (2017).
• Represented India at the 4th ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (2023) in Malaysia.

Impact on Farmers and Society

• Empowered thousands of farmers with increased income and sustainable livelihoods.
• Made apples affordable for the common man, breaking the notion of it being a luxury fruit.
• Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting food security and economic growth.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Hariman Sharma: The Apple Man of India Honored with Padma Shri
Award	Padma Shri for Agriculture and Innovation
Key Innovation	HRMN-99 apple variety: self-pollinating, low chilling, thriving in warm climates
Unique Features	Produces up to 75 kg of fruit/plant; grows in tropical and subtropical regions; soft, juicy, and striped red-over-yellow skin
Origin	Developed by planting apple seeds in 1998 in Paniala, Bilaspur
Validated By	National Innovation Foundation (NIF), ICAR, KVKs, and agricultural universities
Geographical Spread	Cultivated in 29 states/UTs, including Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Northeast, and Rashtrapati Bhavan
Farmer Empowerment	Over 1 lakh saplings planted in NE states; improved farmer incomes and livelihoods
Notable Awards	National Award (2017), National Innovative Farmer Award (2016), Kisan Vaigyanik Upadhi (2017)
Global Recognition	Represented India at 4th ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum in Malaysia (2023)
Social Impact	Made apples affordable for the masses, transforming apple cultivation and boosting farmer income