Apples from Shimla thriving in eastern Uttar Pradesh? It sounds surprising, but it is true.
Under the government’s initiative, apple trees from Shimla have been successfully transplanted from the cold, high mountains to the plain region. This effort was spearheaded by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Belipar in Gorakhpur, the home district of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Three years ago, in 2021, the centre introduced some apple varieties from Himachal Pradesh and planted them locally. By 2023, these trees began bearing fruit. Inspired by this success, Dharmendra Singh, a progressive farmer from Unola village in Pipraich in the chief minister’s home district, planted 50 apple saplings from Himachal Pradesh in 2022. This year, his trees also bore fruit. This achievement motivates him to establish a one-acre apple orchard this year. In 2022, Dharmendra Singh planted 50 apple saplings of the Anna and Harman 99 varieties from Himachal Pradesh. This year, they have borne fruit.
When asked about his interest in apple farming, he explained, “I am passionate about trying new things. During Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s tenure, there has been a significant focus on agriculture. Fixed grants are readily available transparently, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra provides necessary advice. These factors motivated me to start apple farming. Now, I plan to expand. I have ordered more plants and am waiting for them to be planted from Himachal.”
According to Dr SP Singh, senior scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Belipar Gorakhpur, in January 2021, three apple varieties – Anna, Harman-99 and Dorset Golden – were brought from Himachal Pradesh and planted at the centre. They began bearing fruit after two years. These varieties are well suited to Purvanchal’s agro-climatic conditions.
Select only the recommended varieties, such as Anna, Harman-99, and Dorset Golden. Planting at least two different species in the orchard is essential for good pollination and optimal fruit yield. Typically, apples grow in clusters of four. Removing some fruits early on enhances the size and quality of the remaining apples. The ideal time for planting is between November and February, with January to February being the most favourable months for planting saplings.
Saplings should be planted in rows, maintaining a distance of 10 to 12 feet between each plant. This method allows for approximately 400 saplings per acre. Eighty per cent of the plants begin bearing fruit within three to four years of planting and reach full fruiting maturity in six years. This makes apple cultivation suitable for short-term gardening.
