Temperate fruit apple is primarily cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, the hills of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and to some extent in north eastern States and Punjab also. However, initial experiments at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) have indicated that it can be grown in Ranchi also.

At Horticultural Biodiversity Park of BAU, three apple varieties viz., Scarlet spur, Jeromin and Anna were planted during February 2022. The variety Anna is having fruiting this year. At this Park, Anna variety is having 18 plants. Last year too this variety gave some fruits. But other two varieties didn’t give any fruiting.

Anna variety performed very well and having good growth and development during this period.  All the plants were brought from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh.

Some mortality has also been observed in these varieties over the period of last two years.  Flowering in apple plants starts in February while fruits mature in July- August.

In Charge of Biodiversity Park Dr Abdul Majid Ansari said “This was only pilot trial, just to see the fruiting ability of the variety. Anna variety is able to produce fruits in Ranchi condition. “Its quality, taste, and yield per hectare, with full package of practices for this region will be needed for its final recommendation.  It requires further experimentation, and then only we can be in a position to recommend for commercial cultivation on large scale. Upland, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter and irrigation facility is required for its successful cultivation,” he added.

BAU Vice Chancellor Dr SC Dubey visited the park along with Dean Forestry Dr MS Malik and Director Research Dr PK Singhand suggested evaluating more number of varieties and developing suitable package of practices to explore the possibility of apple cultivation in Jharkhand.

Rich in vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, apples, appreciated for their heart-healthy qualities, boost immunity, aid digestion and weight management, and provide antioxidants to combat colds and infections. Apples also improve skin and hair, decrease cholesterol and support lung function.