Apple Farming Creates Sensation in Murshidabad, Foreign Apple Varieties Thriving in 45°C Heat

West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has long been famous across India and abroad for its delicious mangoes. The aroma and sweetness of Murshidabad mangoes are admired internationally. But now, a new agricultural success story from the district has surprised everyone from farming experts to ordinary people.

Farmer Rupesh Das from the Beldanga area of Murshidabad has achieved what many once considered impossible. He successfully cultivated apples in a hot-climate region and has achieved record production this year.

The most remarkable part is that the apples grown in his orchard are competing with apples from Himachal Pradesh and even foreign varieties in terms of taste, color, and quality.

Production Increased Four Times, Crowds Visiting the Orchard

According to Rupesh Das, apple production in his orchard has increased nearly four times compared to last year. As news of this achievement spread, people from nearby areas started visiting his orchard.

For many, apple farming in a hot district like Murshidabad feels nothing less than a miracle. Farmers, agriculture students, and local residents are now visiting the orchard in Kacharipara to witness this unique farming experiment.

Key Highlights

• Successful apple farming in Murshidabad

• Apple trees producing fruits even in 45°C temperature

• Production increased four times compared to last year

• Cultivation of three foreign-tech-based apple varieties

• New hope for local farmers

Which Apple Varieties Are Being Cultivated?

Rupesh Das has planted three special apple varieties in his orchard:

Hariman 99

This Indian-developed variety is known for producing good yields even in low-chill regions.

Anna

This is an Israeli-origin apple variety considered suitable for warm climates.

Dorset Golden

Developed using Bahamian techniques, this variety is specially adapted for tropical climates.

According to Rupesh Das, all three varieties have adjusted well to Murshidabad’s climate. That is why the trees remain healthy despite extreme summer heat.

Saplings Ordered Online, Five Years of Hard Work Paid Off

Rupesh Das says he ordered these saplings online from Himachal Pradesh around five years ago. Initially, many people mocked him because no one imagined apples could grow in Murshidabad.

However, he accepted it as a challenge and continued taking care of the plants consistently. After nearly two years, the trees started bearing fruit. Today, his orchard has become a major attraction in the district.

He explained that protecting the plants and maintaining proper care in the initial stages was the biggest challenge. Special attention had to be given to preventing waterlogging around the roots.

How Is Apple Farming Possible in a Hot Region?

People are now asking how apple farming is possible in an area where temperatures often reach 40–45°C.

According to Rupesh Das, two major techniques made it possible:

1. Pruning

Regular pruning helps direct the plant’s energy properly and improves fruit quality.

2. Chilling Period

Apple trees require a cold environment for flowering, known as the “chilling period.”

For proper flowering:

• Temperature should remain between 7°C and 10°C

• The condition should continue for around 50 to 100 hours

Murshidabad experiences such conditions briefly during December and January, which benefits the plants.

Best Time for Planting

Agriculture experts say the best time to plant apple saplings is from the last week of November to the first week of December.

Since the trees begin fruiting after around two years, proper early-stage care is extremely important. Timely irrigation, pruning, and soil management help achieve better production.

A New Hope for Farmers

Successful apple farming in Murshidabad is now becoming a source of inspiration for other farmers.

Experts believe that with scientific farming methods, low-chill apple varieties can be cultivated successfully not only in West Bengal but also in several other warm regions of India.

This could increase farmers’ income and reduce dependence on traditional crops.

Agricultural Experts Call It a Major Achievement

Agriculture experts consider this success an excellent example of climate-adaptive farming. With changing weather patterns and modern agricultural techniques, this experiment may become highly important for the future of farming.

Experts say that if the government and agriculture department provide technical support and market access to such farmers, this model can be implemented on a larger scale.

Social Media Buzz and Local Excitement

Pictures of Rupesh Das’s orchard are now going viral on social media. Many people are calling it the “Apple Revolution of Murshidabad.”

Local residents say they never imagined that apples would one day grow on the land famous for mangoes.

Conclusion

The success of apple farming in Murshidabad is not just the achievement of one farmer, but a bigger picture of India’s changing agricultural landscape.

Rupesh Das has proved that with the right technology, patience, and hard work, even goals that seem impossible in farming can become reality. In the coming years, this model may inspire farmers across the country.