Uttarakhand targets 5,000 hectares of apple orchards by 2030–31

On 31 October 2026, Uttarakhand’s Apple Mission set a target of developing apple orchards across 5,000 hectares by 2030–31. The plan focuses on high-density orchards and extending cultivation beyond Uttarkashi to other hill districts.

Expansion and farmer support

The proposed expansion includes Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Rudraprayag. Against an expected expansion of 1,100 hectares at the current stage, actual progress had reached about 700 hectares.

The Agriculture Department is preparing support for farmers, including saplings, orchard establishment, expert training and assistance in taking produce to market.

Important Facts for Exams

• Clonal propagation: Apple cultivars are usually propagated by grafting cuttings because trees grown from seed do not reliably reproduce the parent’s characteristics.
• Dwarf rootstocks: Dwarf apple rootstocks produce smaller trees that bear fruit earlier than full-size trees and are easier to harvest.
• Canopy light gradient: In dense plant stands, light declines from top to bottom, reducing lower leaves’ photosynthetic and transpiration rates relative to leaves in open stands.