A High-Altitude Apple Revolution: The Success Story of Dinesh Kunar Banchaik's High-Density Orchards

SHILGRHAN(SHANTHA) : In the serene heights of Shilgrahan, Shantha village in Chopal, standing at an impressive altitude of 7,700 feet,  an apple farmer has charted a success story of apple orcharding that compete among the best in the world. 

Dinesh Kumar Banchaik, a dedicated lecturer by profession, has turned the the high field  into a flourishing high-density apple orchard, capturing the admiration of farmers, buyers, and food scientists alike.

Three years ago, Dinesh made a bold decision to uproot the old, failing delicious varieties and embrace the high-density plantation system.

With meticulous care, he prepared his soil, treated it, and planted high-density rootstock 9, focusing on producing top-quality Gala and Mema Mester apples.

This shift marked the beginning of a fruitful journey.

In just his second year of production, Dinesh's hard work has borne sweet fruit—literally. His small plot yielded over 200 cartons of apples, each bearing the hallmark of excellence.

The Terex Gala and Mema  apples boast a stunning color, an irresistible texture, and a flavor profile that has connoisseurs gasping for breath.

Crisp, sweet, tangy, and fresh, these apples stand out not just for their quality but for being harvested almost 25 days ahead of the traditional Red Delicious variety.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the fact that Dinesh's apples, despite being grown at such a high altitude, compete in color, shine, crispness, and size with the best in the world.

His early harvest has allowed him to capture the market  with the lower and middle altitude orchardists even begin to sell.

The response from the market has been overwhelming. Arhtees from Punjab, Parala, Delhi, Jaipur, and beyond have taken notice, eager to secure Dinesh's crop for their discerning customers.

They’ve been following his progress on social media, eager to leverage the quality and brand of these exceptional apples for top buyers, both in India and abroad, where demand for these juicy, crunchy, cherry-red delights is soaring.

Dinesh credits his success to the lessons in hard work taught by his father and remains humble, attributing the rewards of his labor to divine grace and hard work.

His success has not only put him on the map as one of India's top apple producers but also serves as an inspiration for others in the farming community.

Through a combination of traditional wisdom and modern innovation, Dinesh has proven that even at the heights of 7,700 feet, with the right practices and determination, a revolution in apple cultivation is possible.