India⁢ Grapples with Apple Production⁣ Amid Climate Change

Updated June 13,2025
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An Indian farmer’s ⁢unusual experiment is highlighting the challenges facing the nation’s apple industry. Kakasaheb Sawant, from subtropical southern India, planted‌ apple trees in ⁤2022, a‌ region where temperatures can soar to 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the odds, 80 of his 100 ⁢saplings survived, each yielding 30 to 40 kilograms of fruit ‌last year.

“My farm has become something of a local miracle,” Sawant said, noting⁣ the interest his orchard has generated. However, the apples’ lack of sweetness​ has hindered commercial sales. Undeterred, Sawant is selling⁤ apple tree saplings and remains optimistic about future, sweeter ⁤harvests. He hopes ⁣to contribute ⁤to meeting India’s increasing demand for apples.

India’s apple production has increased by 15% in the past five years, reaching 2.5 million tons. Yet,this growth has not kept pace with demand,leading to a doubling of imports to 600,000 tons,according to S Chandrashekhar,an apple trade analyst. “we do have a shortage of apple production,” Chandrashekhar said, emphasizing the need for new investment in ⁤the sector.

A critical factor ‍for successful apple⁤ cultivation is a prolonged period of cold temperatures, ideally between 32 and 43 degrees‍ Fahrenheit. While countries like the united Kingdom have ample “chill-time,” India’s suitable regions are limited.⁢ Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal ​Pradesh in northern India are ⁤the primary apple-producing areas, but Chandrashekhar notes declining productivity in many older orchards due to climate change.

To ​expand apple production, some⁤ are experimenting with ⁤low-chill varieties ⁢that require only about⁤ 400 hours⁢ of cold temperatures. Researchers at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) in Ranchi, eastern India, ⁢are testing 18 saplings of three such varieties. Dr. Majid Ali reported limited success, with only one variety producing fruit. “The plants have not reached optimal sizes… I ‍would not say ​that they are of best ⁤quality, but they were edible,” Ali said, citing unfavorable climate ‌and soil conditions.

However, some experts remain skeptical ⁤about the commercial viability of apples grown in hotter regions. Dr. Dinesh Thakur, from a ‍horticulture research ​center in Himachal Pradesh, said that such fruit ​often has a short shelf ‌life and lacks sweetness. “These low-chill ⁣apples can be grown⁣ as novelty fruit in a kitchen garden, but their viability as a commercial crop is not proven… most of them are a failure,” ⁢Thakur said.

Thakur’s ⁤research focuses on improving apples through breeding,especially in the face of climate change. He noted that declining chilling hours and erratic weather are causing important financial losses for farmers. Some orchards ⁢are moving⁤ to higher altitudes in search of‌ better conditions. His team is also working on climate-resilient apple ‌genotypes, including one that matures ⁤earlier to offset erratic‍ weather patterns.

“Climatic‍ change is creating havoc ​in apple cultivation,” Thakur said.

Chandrashekhar believes that boosting India’s ⁤apple output requires more⁢ than just scientific advancements. “Apple orchards in the traditional apple cultivation areas are 15 to 20 years old. What ⁤is needed is replanting of new saplings,” he said. he also emphasized ⁢the need for significant⁢ investment in the industry and the advancement ⁢of juice and ​jam businesses to support apple growers.

“The industry needs investment, huge investment. Who will do that?” Chandrashekhar asked.

What’s‌ next

The future of India’s apple industry hinges ‌on adapting to climate change, investing in new orchards, and‌ developing innovative solutions to meet the country’s growing demand‍ for this popular fruit. Further research into climate-resilient varieties and improved cultivation techniques will be essential for⁢ ensuring a lasting and profitable apple economy.