• Source:JND

Top Apple Producing States In India: Apple Tree Day is observed globally on 6 January every year to highlight the importance of apple trees to agriculture, the ecosystem and human life. Besides producing healthy fruits, apple trees also provide farmers with the opportunity to practice sustainability and make eco-friendly farming profitable. This day is a reminder to take care of orchards, encourage tree planting and appreciate the hard work of apple growers in the country.

In India, some hill states with the most suitable soil and climate for apple trees not only grow apples but also heavily rely on the sale of apples to sustain their economies. The escalation of India's apple production has been gradual yet steady over the years, encompassing both the wintery northern regions and the newly developed western areas of apple orchards.

What Is The Rank Of India in Apple Production globally?

India ranks in the number number five in the world in terms of apple production annually, with $22 a production value and approximately 2.5 to 2.8 million metric tonnes of production. China is the world’s number one producer of apples, followed by Turkey in second, the United States in third and Poland in fourth.

Top Apple Producing States and Union Territories In India

On Apple Tree Day 2026, let us explore the top apple-producing states of India and understand the natural and geographical factors that make these regions ideal for growing apples.

Rank State/UT Annual Production (Metric Tonnes) Source
1 Jammu & Kashmir 20-25 lakh (2,000,000-2,500,000) Govt. Officials report 
2 Himachal Pradesh 5-6 lakh (500,000-600,000) State Dept. of Horticulture
3 Uttarakhand 30,000-40,000 CEIC data
4 Arunachal Pradesh 7,000+ CEIC data
5 Ladakh 3,200-5,100 Union Territory of Ladakh
6 Nagaland 1,800-2,500 -
7 Sikkim Up to 1 -
8 West Bengal 500-600 kg (0.5-0.6 tonnes) -
- Maharashtra Emerging (exact data unavailable) Modern engineering methods

1. Jammu and Kashmir

largest apple producing states in india  (3)Largest Apple-producing states in India (Image: Canva)

As per several official sources, Jammu & Kashmir has an apple production of 20-25 lakh metric tonnes annually, which is almost 60 to 70% of the total apple production of India. This region is mainly suitable for apple trees because of its long winters, fertile soil and cooler climate. The cold winters are especially beneficial to the trees. In the meantime, farmers in the area make a good profit from the apple crops.

2. Himachal Pradesh

The state's Department of Horticulture, meanwhile, reports that Himachal Pradesh's apple production is in the range of 5-6 lakh metric tons every year, which is around 25% of the total apple production in India. The combination of cold climate, high altitudes and well-drained soil is a good reason for the state with apple orchards. Government support, modern farming techniques and expert orchard management have all played a role in increasing the production of apples in the region.

 

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3. Uttarakhand

largest apple producing states in india  (1)Largest Apple-producing states in India (Image: Canva)

Uttarakhand annually produces from 30,000 to 40,000 metric tons of apples, according to CEIC data. The mountainous regions of the state offer the most conducive weather, moderate rainfall, and top-quality soil for apple cultivation. Small and medium-sized orchards produce apples in this area, and farmers are adopting modern horticulture practices more and more to boost their production and quality.

4. Arunachal Pradesh

CEIC data reports that Arunachal Pradesh has an apple output of 7,000 metric tons as a minimum. The coldness of the state's climate, along with the high-altitude areas and the organic methods of farming, are all positive factors for apple production. The environment is maintained here due to the lack of industrial activity, which allows apples to be grown organically with minimal use of chemicals. Local farmers are slowly starting to see apple farming as a profitable source of income.

5. Ladakh

Ladakh, the union territory, is also enhancing its capacity in apple farming. As per data by the administration of the Union territory of Ladakh, between 3,200 to 5,100 metric tonnes of apples are produced annually here. Apple trees benefit greatly from the region's long winters, high altitude and frigid desert climate. Farmers preserve orchards with creative irrigation techniques despite scarce water supplies. Ladakh apples are renowned for their inherent flavour and excellence.

largest apple producing states in india  (6)Apple production in India (Image: Gemini AI)

6. Nagaland

Every year, the northeastern state of Nagaland in India produces apples ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 metric tons. The apple plantation is made possible due to the hilly nature of the state, moderate rainfall, and the cool temperature in some regions. Although the majority of apple production in the area is still small-scale, the government is encouraging farmers to improve their practices and output through the use of more advanced technology and methods.

 

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7. Sikkim and West Bengal

largest apple producing states in india  (2)Largest Apple-producing states in India (Image: Canva)

On the other hand, Sikkim apple production comes to approximately one metric ton per year and West Bengal to about 500-600 kilograms. The main reason for the restriction on large-scale apple growing in these areas is the lack of high altitude and a cold climate. Nevertheless, the researchers and the experimental farms are doing their best to interact with the possible futures through their efforts.

8. Maharashtra

Maharashtra has recently started apple farming, making use of the marvels of controlled environment farming and modern engineering. The cutting-edge methods, such as temperature control and drip irrigation, have made it possible to grow apples even in the warmest climates, but official production figures are not yet available. This is a new and creative way of Indian apple planting.


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