Farmers like Kakasaheb Sawant are pioneering apple cultivation in subtropical regions of Maharashtra, a move aimed at addressing India’s increasing apple demand.
In a surprising agricultural development, Kakasaheb Sawant, a farmer from southern India’s Maharashtra, has successfully planted apple trees in a subtropical climate typically unsuitable for this crop. His initiative, begun in 2022, involved planting 100 saplings, 80 of which survived. Last year, each tree yielded 30 to 40 kilograms of fruit, capturing the attention of local residents and bringing visitors to see his orchard.
Despite the initial success, challenges remain; the produced apples have been noted for their lack of sweetness, limiting their marketability. However, Mr. Sawant remains optimistic about the future. “This is only the beginning,” he said. “The trees are acclimatizing, and I believe they will bear sweet apples in the next four to five years.”
Rising Demand and Local Production Challenges
Mr. Sawant’s efforts come at a crucial time as India’s apple production has risen 15% over the past five years, reaching 2.5 million tonnes. However, this increase falls short of meeting growing consumer demand, leading to a doubling of imports to approximately 600,000 tonnes. According to S. Chandrashekhar, an analyst of India’s apple trade, the country faces a significant production shortfall. “We do have a shortage of apple production,” he noted. “There are not many new players, and there is no new investment.”
The traditional apple-growing regions in India, primarily Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, are grappling with decreasing productivity due to aging orchards and changing climatic conditions. “Many old orchards are producing fewer apples, leading to declining yields,” Chandrashekhar stated, highlighting the impact of climate change on harvests.
Research and Development: A Path to Sustainability
To address these production issues, scientists and farmers are exploring low-chill apple varieties that can thrive in warmer climates. In Ranchi, eastern India, researchers at Birsa Agricultural University are experimenting with 18 saplings from three low-chill varieties. However, progress has been minimal, with only one variety yielding fruit this year. Dr. Majid Ali, a researcher involved in the project, remarked, “To reach a conclusive outcome, it will take three to four years to determine if these varieties can succeed in this environment.”
Local farmers are also trying their hand at cultivating low-chill apples, but many have faced similar setbacks. Dr. Dinesh Thakur, associate director at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, expressed skepticism about the commercial viability of apples in non-traditional regions. “The taste is not so sweet, and the fruit has a very short shelf life. These low-chill apples might merely serve as novelty fruits rather than a reliable crop,” he explained.
Future Outlook: Investment and Innovation Needed
Experts agree that increasing apple production in India necessitates more than just scientific exploration. According to Mr. Chandrashekhar, the industry requires substantial investment in replanting aging orchards and developing infrastructure to support apple-based products like juices and jams. “The industry needs huge investments for it to flourish. But who will take that initiative?” he questioned.
Dr. Thakur’s research into climate-resilient apple genotypes aims to adapt to changing weather patterns, with preliminary results showing promise. An apple variant that matures two months earlier than traditional trees is being developed to counteract erratic weather that disrupts cultivation.
As India navigates this complex challenge of apple production, the collaborative efforts of farmers, researchers, and investors will be crucial in shaping the future of the country’s apple industry. Mr. Sawant, with his pioneering efforts, symbolizes the potential for agricultural innovation in unexpected places, and underlines the determination to meet the growing appetite for apples in India’s markets.
For more business News, check PGN Business Insider.
