New Delhi:
In a moving tribute to India’s farming ethos, progressive horticulturist Hariman Sharma walked barefoot to receive the prestigious Padma Shri Award from President Droupadi Murmu at a grand ceremony held in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
Donning the traditional Himachali cap, Sharma said the moment was a culmination of a lifetime of hard work and devotion to the soil.
Honoured for his groundbreaking innovation in horticulture, Sharma is credited with developing the HRMN-99 variety of apple, which thrives even in low-altitude and warm regions, a feat once thought impossible.
Developed apple variety now cultivated even in low-altitude areas
The variety is now being cultivated successfully in 29 Indian states and countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Zambia and Germany.
Over 14 lakh saplings of HRMN-99 have already been planted by more than a lakh farmers globally, transforming the economic landscape of marginal farming regions.
After the ceremony, Sharma met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who smiled and said, “Don’t make false promises — I’ll be waiting,” in response to Sharma’s assurance that he would bring fresh apples to Delhi in June.
With humility and pride, Sharma replied, “A farmer never goes back on his word.”
Tells why he walked barefoot to receive award
Before stepping up to receive the honour, Sharma bowed to Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and ‘Mother Earth’, a gesture symbolising the spiritual connection between a farmer and his land.
Speaking to the media later, he said, “I walked barefoot to show that a true farmer stays committed to his work in all conditions, no matter how tough.”
Have provided 1.9 lakh saplings to farmers
Sharma’s HRMN-99 variety matures by June, earlier than the traditional July-September harvesting period, offering farmers an advantage in reaching markets early.
Over 6,000 farmers have already received 1.90 lakh saplings from him. Currently, Sharma is researching new varieties of avocado and plum, while his own orchard boasts flourishing trees of mango, kiwi and pomegranate.
Encouraging the younger generation to return to farming, Sharma said, “There are endless opportunities in agriculture, more than any private or government job.”
On April 29, Sharma will also tour the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Prime Ministers’ Museum, continuing his journey as both an innovator and a humble messenger of India’s rural pride.
TNR News Network
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