Growing apples in a state known for scorching summers sounds unlikely, but a group of farmers in Bihar's West Champaran district have pulled it off. Even as local temperatures climb to 43 degrees Celsius, their orchards are bearing fruit, largely thanks to the HRMN 99 variety, a strain bred specifically to survive extreme heat.
Ravikant Pandey's Rooftop Breakthrough in Bankat Musahari
For nearly three years, Ravikant Pandey, a farmer from Bankat Musahari village under Majhaulia block, has been cultivating apples. He is counted among the handful of farmers who first proved that apple cultivation could succeed in Bihar. What makes his effort stand out is that he has grown apples not just in his fields but also in a pot placed on the rooftop of his home, showing that the right variety and technique can make the fruit viable even in limited space.
Shishir Dubey's Three-Acre Orchard in Baikunthwa
In Baikunthwa village under Nautan block, farmer Shishir Dubey has also mastered apple farming. He has planted hundreds of apple saplings across roughly 3 acres of orchard, and this season the trees have produced an excellent yield. Dubey says he intends to turn apple cultivation in Bihar into a full commercial venture and hopes to establish himself as an exporter of the fruit.
Merajul Haq Joins the Movement from Bettiah
Merajul Haq, who lives at the district headquarters in Bettiah, has also taken up apple farming. He planted saplings three years ago and has nursed them ever since, and this year his orchard has begun bearing fruit as well. Seeing the large, sweet, green and red apples his trees have produced, Haq too has decided to pursue apple cultivation commercially. Beyond these three farmers, several others across the district are moving toward apple horticulture.
Why HRMN 99 Works in Hot Regions
According to the farmers, choosing the HRMN 99 variety is essential for successful apple cultivation in Bihar and other hot states across the country. Horticulture scientists developed this variety specifically to withstand the climate of warmer regions. As a result, it can develop with relative ease even in temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius and still reach the fruiting stage on schedule. The effort by these West Champaran farmers shows that with the right variety and the right technique, the traditional limits of farming can be pushed back.
