The Orchard That Refused to Die

Story

Nestled among the misty slopes of Kullu lies Gagan Singh’s orchard but this isn’t just any orchard. It’s a symbol of resilience, reimagination, and renewal.

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For years, Gagan’s family had relied on their 4-acre apple orchard to sustain them. But after three back-to-back years of erratic hailstorms and declining yields, the orchard became a liability. Many in his village gave up, switching to vegetables or leaving farming altogether.

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But Gagan chose to fight.

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He reached out to KisaanKa’s Agri Advisory and discovered a suite of tools weather sensors, orchard planning maps, and organic pest solutions. He learned how high-density apple varieties could produce 2–3x more yield per acre, and how natural beekeeping could dramatically improve pollination.

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With a mix of science and stubborn hope, Gagan rejuvenated his orchard.

By 2023, his trees were not just bearing fruit they were flourishing. He introduced eco-tourism visits, started selling apples under his own brand, and educated local youth on chemical-free apple farming.

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❝I didn’t just save my orchard. I saved my identity as a farmer.❞ – Gagan Singh

Learnings:

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• High-density planting increases productivity without expanding land use.

• Weather-smart farming (like predictive alerts) helps protect high-value crops.

• Branding even simple produce like apples can bring premium returns.