Bilaspur’s Hariman Sharma Honoured with Padma Shri for Agricultural Innovation at Rashtrapati Bhavan..
SHIMLA: Hariman Sharma of Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in the field of agriculture, bringing pride to the region and recognition to his pioneering work in apple cultivation at lower altitudes.
He received the honour at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President of India presented Padma Awards to distinguished individuals from across the country. The event was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other dignitaries.
Sharma has made headlines by successfully cultivating a low-chilling apple variety on his farm in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur—an area traditionally considered unsuitable for apple farming due to insufficient chilling hours.
His innovation has sparked fresh hope for farmers in the mid and low-hill belts of Himachal Pradesh, potentially expanding apple cultivation beyond the high-altitude zones.
Though Sharma’s effort marks a significant scientific breakthrough, experts note that the commercial success and large-scale adoption of this variety will depend on further trials and market response. Traditionally, apple farming has thrived in Himachal’s colder regions where adequate winter chill is crucial for fruit setting and quality yield.
Hariman Sharma’s work has been supported by years of experimentation, grafting techniques, and an unwavering belief that apple farming could break the barriers of altitude.
His success story offers inspiration to countless farmers struggling with climate change and reduced chilling hours in traditional apple belts.
With apple cultivation facing new challenges due to rising temperatures and erratic weather, Sharma’s low-chilling variety could emerge as a game-changer.
If widely adopted and commercially viable, it could redefine the economy of lower Himachal and parts of north India, where farmers are constantly seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional crops.
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