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Apple (Seb)All seasonsGrafted sapling on rootstockUpdated 27 September 2026

HRMN-99

Low-chill genotype that fruits in plains and subtropical conditions where no conventional apple can grow — a genuine innovation, though fruit quality is below premium high-altitude crop.

SeasonAll seasons
Maturity period3–4 years to first bearing (grafted)
Expected yieldModerate — smaller fruit than high-altitude varieties
Suitable soilAdaptable; tolerates subtropical and plains soils

Quick facts

Crop
Apple (Seb)
Type
Grafted sapling on rootstock
Season
All seasons
Maturity period
3–4 years to first bearing (grafted)
Expected yield
Moderate — smaller fruit than high-altitude varieties
Suitable soil
Adaptable; tolerates subtropical and plains soils
Release
Farmer discovery by Hariman Sharma, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh; not a formal institutional release

About this variety

HRMN-99 is a low-chill apple genotype discovered by Hariman Sharma, a farmer-innovator in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, at only about 1,000 metres altitude — far below the 1,500–2,700 m belt where conventional apple varieties need their winter chilling hours. The tree fruits in plains and subtropical conditions where no standard apple variety would set a crop, making it a genuine horticultural innovation. It has been tested experimentally in several plains states (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, even parts of Rajasthan) and attracted considerable media and government attention as a way to bring apple farming to non-traditional areas. However, the fruit is smaller, less uniformly coloured and of lower eating quality than the premium high-altitude Red Delicious crop, so it occupies a niche rather than a replacement role. HRMN-99 is best understood as expanding apple's geographic range rather than competing with the established Himalayan crop.

Key characteristics

    Plant typeGrafted sapling on rootstock
    Maturity3–4 years to first bearing (grafted)
    Yield potentialModerate — smaller fruit than high-altitude varieties
    Disease resistanceNot specifically documented
    SoilAdaptable; tolerates subtropical and plains soils
    SeasonAll seasons

Sowing & cultivation

  • Spacing6 × 3 m or closer — the tree is moderately vigorous
  • FertilizerStandard apple fertilizer programme adapted to local conditions

Soil & climate

Soil

Suitable soil
Adaptable; performs in a wider soil and climate range than conventional apple

Yield & maturity

Maturity period

3–4 years to first bearing (grafted)

Expected yield

Moderate — smaller fruit than high-altitude varieties

Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.

Pest & disease considerations

Advantages & considerations

Why farmers may choose it

  • Fruits in plains and subtropical conditions where no conventional apple can grow.
  • Early bearing (3–4 years grafted).
  • Opens apple farming to entirely new geographies.

Things to consider

  • Fruit size, colour and eating quality are below the premium high-altitude crop.
  • Not a formal institutional release — long-term performance data is limited.
  • Market pricing may be lower than standard high-altitude apple due to quality differences.

Suitable regions

A low-chill genotype discovered by Hariman Sharma at ~1,000 m altitude in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh; experimental in plains states where conventional apple is impossible.

  • Himachal Pradesh

Frequently asked questions

Can HRMN-99 really grow in the plains?

Yes — it has been demonstrated at very low altitudes (around 1,000 m and below) and tested experimentally in several plains states. It does fruit, but the fruit is smaller and of lower quality than high-altitude apple, so it is best seen as expanding the geographic range rather than replicating the premium Kashmiri crop.

Sourced from: Farmer innovation: Hariman Sharma and HRMN-99 — media and ICAR documentation. editorial policy.