Table of Contents
Introduction
Apples are among the most popular and nutritious fruits, known for their crisp texture and sweet or tangy flavor. They are consumed fresh, used in juices, and incorporated into various recipes worldwide. Although India is not one of the top global apple producers, certain regions cultivate unique apple varieties that are highly valued both domestically and internationally. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples contribute to heart health, aid digestion, and promote overall well-being, making them a staple in many Indian households.
Apple farming in India is primarily concentrated in the northern states, particularly Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where the cool climate and hilly terrain provide ideal growing conditions. Popular varieties like the Kashmiri Apple and Royal Delicious from Himachal Pradesh are known for their distinct taste and quality. In the 2023-24 season, India’s total apple production was approximately 2.75 megatonnes. In recent years, apple cultivation has also expanded to some northeastern states, creating a small but growing market.
Now, let’s explore the Top 5 apple-producing states in India in 2023-24 in detail.
Top 5 Apple-Producing States in India
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Telangana

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh ranks first in apple production in India for 2023-24, with a total output of 580.30 kilotonnes. Apples are cultivated over an area of approximately 1,156.80 km² in the state. The major apple-producing regions in Himachal Pradesh include Kullu, Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi, Chamba, and parts of Sirmaur district.
Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand holds the second position in apple production in 2023-24, with a total output of 42.97 kilotonnes. The fruit is cultivated across 113.29 km² in the state. The primary apple-producing region in Uttarakhand is Harsil.
Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh ranks third in apple production in 2023-24, with a total output of 6.79 kilotonnes. Apple cultivation spans 35.67 km² in the state. The major apple-producing regions include Tawang, West Kameng, and Upper Siang.
Nagaland

Nagaland stands fourth in apple production in 2023-24, with a total output of 1.77 kilotonnes. The key apple-producing region in Nagaland is Thanamir.
Telangana

Telangana ranks fifth in apple production in 2023-24, with a total output of 0.01 kilotonnes. The major apple-producing regions include Kerameri, Wankidi, Tiryani, and Sirpur.
Fun Facts About Apples
- A standard apple tree takes 8–10 years to bear fruit, while a dwarf apple tree starts producing in 3–5 years.
- There are over 7,500 apple varieties grown worldwide, with more than 2,500 found in the United States alone.
- The first recorded apple pie recipe originated in England.
- Apples float in water because 25% of their volume is air, making them perfect for games like apple bobbing.
- Apples come in various colors, including red, green, and yellow, with different flavors and textures.
- It takes around 30 to 40 apples to produce one gallon of apple cider.
- The world’s heaviest apple, weighing 1.85 kg (4.07 lbs), was grown in Japan in 2005.
- An apple tree can live for over 100 years, with some historical trees still producing fruit today.
- October 21 is celebrated as National Apple Day in the UK, honoring the fruit’s history and diversity.
- The longest apple peel ever recorded was over 52 meters (172 feet) long, peeled by a woman in New York in 1976.
Common FAQs
Q. Which state is the largest producer of apples in India in 2023-24?
A. Himachal Pradesh ranks first in apple production in 2023-24.
Q. Which state ranks second in apple production in India in 2023-24?
A. Uttarakhand holds the second position in apple production in 2023-24.
Q. What are the top five apple-producing states in India in 2023-24?
A. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Telangana in 2023-24.
Q. Which state has the largest area under apple cultivation in 2023-24?
A. Himachal Pradesh has the largest apple cultivation area in 2023-24.
Q. What is the total area under apple cultivation in India in 2023-24?
A. The total apple cultivation area in India is 3,035.57 km² in 2023-24.
Q. What is the total apple production in India in 2023-24?
A. The total apple production in India is around 2,699.39 kilotonnes in 2023-24.
Q. What is the scientific name of an apple?
A. The scientific name of an apple is Malus pumila.
Q. To which plant family does the apple belong?
A. Apples belong to the Rosaceae family.