Problem Addressed
Creating a better apple variety with better fruit quality.
Technology
The innovator developed the Crimeria apple variety by grafting a branch from a Crimson apple tree onto a Bulgaria apple tree. Crimeria apples are larger and bear more fruit than Crimson. Crimeria apple trees bear fruit within one to three years of planting. A single tree can yield about 200 kg of apples after five years. The trees begin flowering by April and produce fruits by August.
Societal Impact
Farmers earn well from the in-demand Crimeria apples that sell at Rs. 80-200 per kg. The innovator claims that this variety is not disease-prone and reports minimal use of pesticides.
Current status
The innovator has guided many farmers about grafting, within the district. He has yet to register it under PPV&FRA. He aims to export it outside Kashmir, and GIAN supports him in developing a larger market.