Jumped into horticulture during COVID period to keep his workers busy
Munish Sood
MANDI:
In the lush Karsog Valley in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, which is known for its apple orchards, one man has emerged as a torchbearer of progressive farming. Suresh Kumar Sharma, a contractor-turned-horticulturist from Pangna village in Mandi district, has transformed barren land into a thriving orchard and become a source of guidance for farmers across Himachal Pradesh.
His achievements in modern horticulture and sustainable farming have not only secured his own prosperity but have also given hope to countless others in the region.
Turning barren land into thriving orchard
The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a turning point in Sharma’s life. While many were struggling for survival, he was worried about how to provide employment to his workers.
This concern pushed him to explore horticulture, first by assisting others and later by taking the bold step of developing his own land.
The task was anything but easy. His land was barren and uneven. Sharma decided to convert it into terraced fields, ensuring that every inch could be used productively. The next challenge was water scarcity, a common problem in Himachal’s hilly terrain.
Sharma laid a 1,200-metre-long pipeline from a nearby stream, installed a 25 HP motor to lift water across steep gradients, and built a 2.5 lakh liter storage tank. To maximise efficiency, he installed Netafim drip irrigation, a modern system that delivers water directly to the roots of each plant.
Today, this once unproductive land hosts 6,500 high-density apple plants of M9 and M111 rootstocks across 22 bighas, creating a model orchard that is studied by fellow farmers. Not stopping there, Sharma has also begun cultivating 2,500 premium blueberry plants, showing the potential of crop diversification in Himachal.
Overcoming the soil challenge
Perhaps the most difficult hurdle was preparing the land for high-density apple cultivation. For M9 and M111 rootstocks, deep trenches filled with fertile soil were essential. But where would that much soil come from?
Sharma came up with an unusual but effective solution. He transported fertile soil from another orchard he owned, located 25 km away at an altitude of 7,000 feet. Using his own tippers and machinery, he ferried the soil, got it washed and cleaned by workers, and filled the trenches before plantation.
“It was a big challenge, but passion makes everything possible,” Sharma recalls. “If you are determined and hard-working, no obstacle can stop you.” His dedication to this painstaking process is what made his orchard possible and stands as a lesson for others that creativity and commitment can solve even the toughest problems.
Sustainable and eco-friendly farming
While adopting modern technology, Sharma has not forgotten the importance of sustainable practices. To reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers, he rears Sahiwal and Tharparkar cows and produces organic Jeevamrit fertiliser. This not only enriches the soil but also sets an example for other farmers to embrace eco-friendly methods.
His model combines innovation with sustainability, making it both profitable and environment-friendly. Fellow orchardists often visit his farm to learn how traditional livestock practices can strengthen modern horticulture.
Mentor for farmers across Himachal
Sharma’s role is not limited to his own orchard. Over time, he has become a mentor and motivator for apple growers throughout Himachal Pradesh. Farmers regularly call him to discuss their problems, and he patiently provides solutions based on his experience.
His reach extends far beyond his village. With more than 1 lakh followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, Sharma actively shares farming techniques, videos and practical tips. His social media presence has created a strong community of orchardists who see him as a guiding figure.
From simple life to a torchbearer
Behind his present success lies a life of perseverance. Born on October 29, 1963, in Pangna village of Mandi district, Sharma completed his matriculation in 1980 and later graduated from Punjab University, Jalandhar. After his studies, he entered the field of contracting, working under the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Irrigation and Public Health Department (IPH).
By 1995, Sharma had firmly established himself as a respected contractor, a profession he pursued successfully for more than three decades. Yet, it was his decision during the pandemic to step into horticulture that truly defined his legacy.
Today, Suresh Kumar Sharma is not only a successful orchardist but also a symbol of what hard work, modern techniques, and determination can achieve. His story proves that barren land can be turned into a field of prosperity if one dares to dream and work towards it.
His message to farmers is simple: “Adopt modern techniques, combine them with hard work, and success will follow. Farming can be sustainable, profitable, and life-changing.”
From being a contractor to becoming a torchbearer of apple growers in Karsog Valley, Sharma’s journey is an inspiring reminder that progress is possible even in the face of the toughest challenges. His orchards today stand as a beacon of hope, not only for Himachal Pradesh but for farmers across India who seek to transform their future through innovation and determination.
