Apples from Thar: Rajasthan Farmers Cultivate a Taste of the Himalayas
JAIPUR: The Thar desert in Rajasthan, known for its harsh climate and scorching temperatures, is witnessing a remarkable transformation. In an unexpected turn, apples—fruits typically associated with the cool climates of the Himalayas—are thriving in this arid region. Farmers in Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts are breaking the mold with successful apple cultivation.
Turning Dreams into Orchards
Santosh Khedar, a farmer from Beri village, embarked on this journey in 2015 with a single sapling gifted by the National Innovation Foundation in Gujarat. What started as a small experiment has blossomed into a flourishing apple farm, yielding over 6,000 kg of fruit each season. Her son Rahul, an agriculture graduate, has helped the family secure organic certification, allowing them to sell their apples at a premium price of Rs 150 per kg compared to Rs 100 for those from Himachal and Kashmir.
Defying Expectations
Initially met with skepticism by her neighbors, Santosh’s apple tree bore nearly 40 kg of fruit in its second year. The secret? The HRMN-99 apple variety, designed to withstand extreme temperatures. “This variety can grow in arid regions where summer temperatures exceed 40°C,” shares Rahul. With minimal irrigation needs, the mature trees only require watering once every two weeks.
A Growing Trend
As word spreads, more farmers are eager to follow Santosh’s lead. In Katrathal village, farmer Mohit Chaudhary has planted 50 apple trees. According to horticulture official Madan Lal Jat, apple farming is set to expand across more regions in the coming years.
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