Hariman Sharma, a farmer from Himachal Pradesh, received the Padma Shri for his revolutionary contribution to Indian agriculture.
He developed HRMN-99, a self-pollinating, low-chilling apple variety, enabling apple cultivation in tropical and sub-tropical regions with temperatures up to 40-45°C.
The innovation expanded apple farming across 29 Indian states and Union Territories, improving accessibility and affordability.
Sharma’s journey began in 1998 when he planted discarded seeds, refining the variety by 2001 through grafting to produce up to 75 kg per plant annually.
Initially overlooked, the variety was validated by NIF in 2012 with trials by ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, benefiting farmers, especially in North-Eastern states.
Sharma has received multiple awards, including the National Award for Grassroots Innovation (2017) and National Innovative Farmer Award (2016), and represented India at the ASEAN Innovation Forum in 2023.
HRMN-99 is a symbol of grassroots innovation, transforming apple cultivation, empowering farmers, and contributing to food security in India.