Daijiworld Media Network - Bagalkot

Bagalkot, Apr 28: Prime minister Narendra Modi, during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on April 28, lauded the remarkable achievement of a Bagalkot farmer who successfully cultivated apples — a crop traditionally grown in the cooler climates of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh — in the scorching heat of Karnataka.

Modi praised Shreeshaila Theli, a farmer from Kulali village in Mudhol taluk of Bagalkot district, for his innovative farming success.

Highlighting Theli’s efforts, the prime minister said, "Earlier, apple cultivation was confined to colder regions. But growing apples in Karnataka’s tropical climate, where temperatures reach around 35 degrees Celsius, is truly noteworthy. The success story of this farmer is a model for others."

Shreeshaila Theli, originally from Mahishwadagi village in Athani taluk of Belagavi district, purchased land in Kulali village a few years ago and ventured into apple farming. He planted 2,620 saplings across seven acres and adopted organic methods, using jeevamrutha (organic fertilizer) and natural compost to nurture the crop, achieving an impressive harvest.