Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
150 years of Apple in Himachal: A hillside economic revolution!
by ML Verma
Shimla, Jan 15,
Approximately 150 years ago, the apple plant was introduced in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Today, this exotic cash crop has not only impacted rural means of production but has virtually spurred an economic revolution in five to six districts, with around three lakh households directly and seven lakh households indirectly linked to this rural-centric industry in the state.
The journey of the apple as a cash crop can be traced back to 1870 when the first plant was introduced by some Britishers in the Kullu district. They successfully grew it in many pockets, according to horticulture expert Dr. Chiranjeet Parmar. An Englishman, RC Lee, was the first person to plant this fruit in a village near Bajora in Kullu. However, it took almost another 45 years to introduce commercial strains, probably by Christian missionaries.
Dr. Chiranjeet Parmar, an expert on apples and horticulture from Punjab, claims that the apple revolution in Himachal can be traced back to the days of the united Punjab province when RC Lee brought apple plants from England in 1870. The first apple plant was introduced to Bandarol.
According to Dr. Chiranjeet Parmar, after Captain Lee, Captain AY Bannon, Viodor, WH Donald, Colonel Ronick, Duff, Mackay, and Mitrokan, etc., planted apple and other fruit orchards like Red and Royal at different places in Kullu and Manali.
All these orchards were planted in the 19th century, and the area of some of them became famous for apple fruits due to its favourable climate.
The reference to the introduction of apples in Himachal by the Britisher Lee, also known as Bandrol Arched, is found in a Punjab Journal of 1965. The early varieties of apples were introduced from England and other European nations.
The contribution of Stokes is also no less important in favourable apple production in Himachal. Stokes, an American, introduced scions of good varieties to the state to further graft and plant them here from American nurseries.
Parmar gives credit for growing commercial apple orchards to Captain RC Lee and the family of Vidya Stokes. Ms. Stokes, who is probably in her mid-nineties, was also appointed as the Horticulture and IPH Minister in the state.
The entry of the apple in the most fertile belt of Himachal was made by Satyanand Stokes, who planted a garden of it in 1916. The story of the apple could not be complete in the state if in 1916, in Upper Shimla, Himachal, Satyanand Stokes did not introduce its advanced varieties. Stokes not only planted apple saplings in Kotgarh and other hilly areas but also persuaded other farmers to switch over to these new vocations.
Later during this evolution, the old varieties of apples which did not have such good taste and textures, were slowly replaced in most parts of Shimla district, bringing about an economic revolution that now contributes more than Rs 5500 Crore per annum to the state GDP.
Erstwhile apples were carried in bamboo baskets and wooden boxes, later on mules, and brought to Shimla and other nearby markets. Agriculture was the means of production until the early end of the twentieth century. People were reluctant to plant them in land holdings that gave good yields of grain, potatoes, and traditional varieties of food grains. But, by the 21st century, with increasing production and good returns and the state governments facilitating roads and market systems for growers it attracted masses to plant them in barren lands.
Also read: Horticulture Minister’s announcement: Apples to be sold in Universal cartons from next year
This evolution now faces newer challenges. Now the entry of middlemen and corporations in the supply chain sector and hostile weather conditions are threatening. Despite having quality crops and good production, the markets are facing new challenges even from the imports of foreign apples.
About the Author
As an Apple farmer I do not agree with a lot of facts in the article.