Southern Bloom: Andhra Pradesh's Apple Revolution

After years of dominance by the northern states of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in India's apple market, a new challenger has emerged from Andhra Pradesh. A farmer in the drought-prone Anantapur district has innovatively cultivated apples, triggering interest in scaling this initiative across the state.

KV Ramana Reddy, a farmer from Kotanka village, blazed a trail in apple cultivation by adopting a semi-high density plantation model, leading to significant returns. The initiative has revealed potential for premium prices due to off-season harvesting and remarkable adaptation to local conditions.

However, numerous challenges persist, including managing water resources, pest control, and enhancing agronomic expertise. The state government has been urged to study feasibility, develop necessary infrastructure, and support farmers to ensure successful adoption and sustainability of apple cultivation.

(With inputs from agencies.)