Successful Cultivation of Kashmir Apple in Ooty

Kashmir apples are not only famous in India but across the globe for its consistent quality and taste. Apple requires a chill climate (normally less than 7 Degree C) and for a longer duration (called chill hours) to grow and give quality and quantity yield. Kashmir and part of Himalayan region being best suited place for apple cultivation in India, it produces one of the best varieties.

Apples are also cultivated in part of South India, especially in high altitude regions but they are of much different quality and variety from Kashmir apple due to comparatively lower chill hours in this region. For example, the apples cultivated in the Nilgiris region are famously known as ‘Ooty Apple’ with unique sweet and sour taste. In general the south Indian apple varieties are sold in the market for a much cheaper price (approx. Rs.100 / Kg) than that of the Kashmir variety (approx. Rs.200/Kg). 

Recently it is reported that a group of about 100+ farmers have successfully grown the Kashmir variety apple trees in the Nilgiris and got the yield. Couple of year back they have brought 2000 apple saplings from Kashmir, planted them in different part so that altitude of the Nilgiris district and grown them with guidance of Himachal farmers on experimental basis. Out of which, around 50% of these formers reported their trees are bearing fruits. 

These Nilgiris farmers estimate that an apple tree of this Kashmir variety can yield about 100 Kg and revenue of approximately Rs. 8 Lacs per Acre per annum. Considering this many folds attractive revenue comparing to the traditional tea cultivation and the huge gap between demand to supply of apples in this part of country, many farmers will start planting apple trees in Ooty region soon. 

Right now vegetation is the major agriculture alternate to tea in the Nilgiris but in the near feature Apple will also become an alternative to tea to the Nilgiris farmers. Thus it will have a great impact on agriculture / per capita income of this region as well as Ooty real estate. Since the tea price is volatile and not attractive, the agriculture land price in Ooty is affordable at present.

Those interested can explore advertised properties in Ooty on Hills & Wills—an online property-advertising platform dedicated exclusively to hill-station properties across India. Users can search and view the property information provided by advertisers and connect directly with the respective advertisers. Any decision concerning the purchase, permitted use or suitability of agricultural land for apple cultivation must be independently verified by the user with the property owner and the relevant authorities.