Natural Farming-Based Apple Orchard Auctioned in Himachal Pradesh for Rs 9 Lakh

Strategic Insights -

The first ever natural farming-based apple orchard in Himachal Pradesh was auctioned on October 9, fetching Rs 9 lakh, three times the reserved price of Rs 3 lakh. The orchard, developed by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tabo, Lahaul & Spiti, under Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, comprises 122 apple trees of multiple varieties including Royal Delicious and Golden Delicious. The orchard was purchased by Ram Tachee, a resident of Manali, who explored the market demand and found a strong interest in apples grown through natural farming methods.

Key Takeaways:

  • The auction was conducted on a trial basis to gauge market response to natural farming-based apple orchards.
  • The orchard was developed using traditional fertilizers, cow dung and cow urine as compost, and fermented curd drinks, a mixture of neem and thuklang, instead of pesticides and chemicals.
  • Apples grown under natural farming practices in Spiti Valley have demonstrated exceptional quality parameters, including 13% higher firmness, 11% higher Total Soluble Solids levels, and improved soil quality.
  • The soil organic carbon content in the natural farming orchard was 2.79%, compared to 2.00% in conventionally managed orchards.
  • The initiative promotes sustainable practices and preserves the fragile soil and ecosystem of the cold desert region.
  • The Geu Panchayat of Spiti has proposed adopting natural farming for crop production, which would enable farmers to secure premium prices for their produce.

Statistics:

  • The orchard fetched Rs 9 lakh, three times the reserved price of Rs 3 lakh.
  • The orchard comprises 122 apple trees of multiple varieties.
  • Apples grown in Spiti Valley have shown 13% higher firmness compared to conventional apples.
  • Apples grown in Spiti Valley have shown 11% higher Total Soluble Solids levels compared to conventional apples.
  • Soil organic carbon content in the natural farming orchard is 2.79%.

Sources:

  • Ram Tachee, resident of Manali, as quoted in The Indian Express.
  • Dr R S Spehia, head of KVK, Lahaul & Spiti, as quoted in The Indian Express.
  • Vice-Chancellor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, as quoted in The Indian Express.
  • The Indian Express, dated October 9, 2025 (not explicitly mentioned, but referenced as copyright year in original text).