A farmer in Andhra Pradesh successfully grew a bumper crop of bright-red apples despite temperatures exceeding 45°C [2].
This achievement marks the first commercially viable apple-growing project in Andhra Pradesh and potentially all of peninsular India. It suggests that high-value crops previously reserved for cooler climates can be grown in arid regions through specific cultivation methods.
N. V. Ramana Reddy, 46 [1], operates his farm in Kotanka village within the Anantapur district. The region is known for its extreme heat and low-rainfall conditions, which typically make apple cultivation impossible. During the summer of 2024, Reddy managed to sustain the trees as temperatures climbed above 45°C [2].
The success of the project demonstrates that apple trees can survive and produce fruit in extreme heat. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for diversified agriculture in the region, providing a potential new revenue stream for farmers in drought-prone areas.
Agricultural experts often view the Anantapur district as a challenging environment due to its climate. Reddy's ability to produce a commercial yield challenges the traditional geographic limitations of apple farming in India. The project serves as a proof of concept for other farmers looking to experiment with non-traditional crops in hot climates.
“The first commercially viable apple-growing project in Andhra Pradesh.”
This development indicates a shift in regional agricultural possibilities, suggesting that climate-resilient farming techniques or specific crop varieties can overcome traditional thermal barriers. If scalable, this could reduce the reliance of southern Indian states on apple imports from temperate northern regions, potentially lowering costs for consumers and increasing income for farmers in arid zones.
