Farmer broken the myth of apples growing in cold climate!
In contrast to the cold climate, apple production is now happening in an unexpected place like Rajasthan. rajasthan is known for its hot and dry climate. Traditionally, apple trees are found in Himalayan states like kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>jammu and kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The cold climate of kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>jammu and kashmir and himachal pradesh is considered suitable for apple production. According to a PTI report, now the myth of cold climate is breaking. apple orchards can be seen in Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts.
According to a PTI report, Santosh Khedar, a woman farmer of Beri village in Sikar, said that the orchard is producing 6,000 kg of apples every season. She said that in 2015, she got an apple plant from the National Innovation Foundation of Gujarat. The plant changed the direction and condition of farming. The farmer family has traditionally planted lemon and guava orchards in 1.25 acres. The family was initially skeptical about planting apples in the heat of the desert. Santosh Khedar recalls, "Neighbours rejected the idea of growing apples in extreme conditions."
Apple orchards in hot climate?
According to PTI , like the rest of rajasthan, both the districts experience severe heat and temperatures cross 40 degrees Celsius. Santosh Khedar says, "I was determined to take the risk. I decided to go ahead with the plan." She watered the plants and used organic manure as per requirement. After a year, the risk paid off.
Women farmers become a source of inspiration
Santosh says, "I was surprised to see apples growing on the plants. The second year, about 40 kg of apples were produced." Encouraged by the results, the farmer family used grafting technique to increase the number of apple plants in the orchard to 100. Santosh's son rahul said that we are selling apples at the rate of Rs 150 per kg. Inspired by Santosh Khedar's success, other farmers are also moving forward to plant apple orchards.
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