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Hariman Sharma, a farmer from Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his groundbreaking contribution to agriculture. He developed HRMN-99, a self-pollinating apple variety that grows in hot climates, making apple farming possible in regions with temperatures as high as 40-45°C.
Unlike traditional apples that need cold climates, HRMN-99 thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. This innovation has transformed apple cultivation and made apples more affordable and accessible.
Journey of Innovation
Orphaned as a child, Hariman Sharma grew up in Paniala, a small village in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Despite challenges, he finished his education up to matriculation and pursued his love for farming.
In 1998, Sharma planted seeds from leftover apples at home. One seedling grew into a tree that bore fruit by 2001, despite the warm climate of his village. He nurtured the tree and used grafting to develop an orchard of this unique apple variety.
Though initially unnoticed, his work gained attention in 2012 when the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) recognised the variety. They verified its uniqueness and supported trials across the country. Today, HRMN-99 apples are grown in 29 states and union territories, including places like Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and even Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.
Recognition and Impact
Sharma’s work has earned him many awards, including the National Award in 2017 and the National Innovative Farmer Award in 2016. In 2023, he represented India at an innovation forum in Malaysia.
The HRMN-99 apple, known for its red-and-yellow skin and juicy pulp, produces up to 75 kg of fruit per tree annually. It has helped thousands of farmers increase their income and brought apples within reach of the common man.
Future of the ‘Apple Man of India’
Hariman Sharma plans to expand HRMN-99 cultivation to more regions, empower farmers with training, and inspire the next generation to embrace innovation and sustainable farming practices.
Know Hariman Sharma
Hariman Sharma’s journey proves that one seed of innovation can grow into a tree of transformation. His story will continue to inspire countless farmers to dream big and cultivate success.
Born in 1956 in the village of Galaseen, district Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, Hariman Sharma was orphaned at just three days old. He was adopted by Ridku Ram from the village of Paniyala, Tehsil Ghumarwin, who raised him with love and care. Hariman pursued his education up to the matriculation level.
With a deep interest in agriculture, Hariman experimented and successfully cultivated apples in the Bilaspur district. His most notable achievement is the development of the HRMN-99 apple variety, the first of its kind to be cultivated for all of India. He also made significant strides in multi-fruit farming, successfully producing apples, mangoes, pomegranates, lychees, apricots, and kiwis in the same field.
Hariman’s efforts extended beyond his own farm as he motivated farmers in seven districts of Himachal Pradesh—Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Solan, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Chamba—to plant apple trees in higher altitudes. As a result, over one lakh apple saplings were planted, and they are now thriving.
His work gained recognition from the state government, and he was appointed to the Board of Management at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan. Under his guidance, national research institutions began studying the HRMN-99 variety. Today, this apple variety is successfully being cultivated in all 29 states of India, with 23 states already seeing fruit production. Additionally, the variety has been successfully planted in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Germany, and Zambia.
Currently, Hariman Sharma serves as a member of the Research Council at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University and as a member of the state-level executive committee of the Integrated Horticultural Development Mission, Himachal Pradesh. His contributions to horticulture and agriculture have been invaluable, making him a respected figure in the field.
To know more about his fascinating journey, check his website: https://harimansharmaapplenursery.com/
