Apple farming is an essential part of Indian orchard farming. Apples are primarily grown in the hilly areas. You must be very familiar with the apples of Himachal Pradesh or of Kashmir. Are you not? With the variety of the apples, the demand for the same has increased a lot over the years. It has been registered in the agricultural history. That apple stands out to be the most ancient fruit that has taken part in the trade business.
With the different types and sizes of apples. India is also a leading producer of the apples in the world wide business. However, China till date stands at the top most position of apple trade. The commercial growth of the apples or the orchard grown apples are no more restricted to the northern most states. They are been grown also in the North Eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and also in Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
The demand of apples has increased of lately because of its versatile nature. Apples can be used to bake pies and also can be used in jellies or can simply be chopped into fresh slices. From breakfasts to desserts, the apples have made a place for themselves in every meal. The demand of the apples in a way has also increased due to its variety of health benefits. The applies are very rich in Vitamin A and antioxidants. These fruits help in maintaining a proper eye vision and keeps the heart steady. It also helps in maintaining the proper functioning of the brain. Here in, we have basically brought to you the various aspects of apple farming in India.
1. The required climatic conditions for a great apple farming in India
- The apples grow primarily in hilly areas and in low temperatures. Likewise, the range of temperature which suits the best for the apples range within 21 degrees Celsius to 25 degree Celsius.
- The apples in India are most likely to grow at the altitude range of 1500 m to around roughly 2600 m (above the mean sea level).
- The apple farms need to be at such a place where in though hilly, yet it should receive high amount of rainfall. On an average, if the apple farms happen to receive a rainfall of 100 cm to 150 cm annually, then it would be more than enough for the plants.
- In addition to the rainfall, the farms need to be properly drained with water and the irrigation facilities need to be regular. Irrigating the farming at least one or twice a week will indeed do wonders for the apple farming.
- With preference to survive and consequently sustain in the colder regions, the apple plantations need to have long hours of chilling season where in the temperature below 8 degrees Celsius is very suitable.
- It goes without saying that in the winters, the hilly areas will experience dense fogs. However, with regard to the apple farming, the fogs during the maturing age of the fruits is not good as it may lead to the growth of fungus all over the fruits.
2. What type of soil is required to grow delicious apples?
First and foremost, the soil needs to be very fertile and properly tilled. Soft loamy soil stands out to be the perfect need for the apple farming. The soil needs to be extremely rich in nutrients that can be infused either through organic manure or through the various kinds of chemical fertilisers. With the soil quality, the chemical composition of the soil needs to be taken care of as well. The pH of the soil ought to lie within the range of 5.5 to 6. The soil needs to be moist and proper facilities of drainage has to be there. Though moisture is required in the soil, yet the soil ought not be soggy. There should be any scope for water clogging.
3. How and when to begin with the process of apple farming in India?
Apples are not very tough fruits. These fruits need more care and are very specific about their needs. Likewise, owing to the heavy sensitivity to pests and diseases, the apples can be grown either by budding or by tongue grafting. It is always the best to walk up to well known nurseries to procure the grafted parts to raise the apple orchards. The grafted portions need to be placed by keeping a distance of at least 2 metres in between. The apples are grown primarily in the months of January and February to get the highest yield.
Hopefully, these detailed aspects and tips will make the apple farming easier.