https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Kinnaur’s Apple Revolution: Geothermal Energy Meets Apricot Magic!

Kinnaur Unveils World's First Geothermal CA Storage Facility: A Game-Changer for Apples, Apricots, and Sustainable Innovation in the Himalayan Heartland!
Indian Masterminds Stories

Deep in the scenic valleys of Kinnaur, a small Himalayan district, something groundbreaking is bubbling—quite literally. Beneath the picturesque mountains, geothermal energy is not just keeping the earth warm; it’s warming the hearts of Kinnauri apple growers and apricot farmers. And leading this quirky yet ingenious transformation is IAS officer Amit Kumar Sharma, the District Collector of Kinnaur.

With groundbreaking projects like the world’s first geothermal-controlled atmosphere (CA) storage facility and a geothermal spa in the pipeline, Kinnaur is on the cusp of an economic and environmental transformation.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared details about the same.

A GAME-CHANGER FOR HORTICULTURE

Kinnaur’s economy thrives on its horticulture, primarily apple orchards and apricot farms. However, unpredictable weather, pest attacks, and market saturation during harvest season have kept the farmers from realizing the true value of their produce. Enter the geothermal CA storage facility, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly storage facility for horticulturists, which will help maintain the quality of fresh produce and extend its shelf life.

“This project is a game-changer,” says Mr. Sharma. “Controlled atmosphere storage allows us to preserve apples and other perishable goods for much longer, without relying on harmful chemicals. It is advanced technology combined with the clean potential of geothermal energy.”

The project, to be built at Tapri in collaboration with Iceland’s geothermal experts, promises to stabilize market conditions for Kinnaur’s prized apples. Farmers will no longer have to flood the market during harvest; they can store their produce and sell it when prices are higher.

THE SCIENTIST BEHIND THE SCENES

Interestingly, this ambitious initiative has its roots in the work of a local researcher, Vijay. Having conducted a feasibility study on geothermal energy while working in Iceland, Vijay demonstrated its potential in Kinnaur.

“He was the one who bridged the gap between us and Icelandic companies,” explains Mr. Sharma. “This is proof of how local talent, when supported, can bring transformative ideas to life.”

The success of a geothermal drying unit, set up earlier this year for apricots and pears, further boosted confidence in the project. “The dried produce was golden, clean, and market-ready in under an hour,” Mr. Sharma adds. “Traditional sun-drying, which takes weeks and is prone to dust contamination, doesn’t stand a chance against this.”

A HOTBED OF IDEAS

But Mr. Sharma and his team didn’t stop at CA storage. They saw geothermal energy as a resource with endless possibilities. Alongside the storage facility, plans are underway for a geothermal spa, tapping into Kinnaur’s natural hot springs.

“The spa has the potential to turn Tapri into a tourist hotspot,” Mr. Sharma notes, visibly excited. “It’s not just about apples and apricots; this is about creating a holistic economic ecosystem.”

The energy-efficient spa, powered by geothermal heat, will add another feather to Kinnaur’s cap, showcasing how traditional resources can be reimagined for modern applications.

ORGANIC GOLD AND MARKETING WOES

In Kinnaur, where an organic movement is gaining ground, one village stands out. Shalkhar Village has declared itself 100% organic, imposing a hefty ₹50,000 fine on anyone using chemical pesticides. While admirable, this effort has a glaring issue: the produce fetches the same price as conventionally grown crops in the market.

“This is a sore point. It’s disheartening to see such high-quality organic produce not being rewarded. We’re working to establish partnerships with major agribusiness companies to ensure farmers get a premium price for their effort,” the officer told Indian Masterminds.

The push for organic farming aligns with Kinnaur’s image as a pristine, chemical-light region. Combined with geothermal technology, the district could soon lead India in sustainable and high-value agriculture.

HEATING HOMES AND POWERING LIVES

Beyond horticulture, geothermal energy could revolutionize everyday life in Kinnaur. The region’s harsh winters make heating a necessity, currently reliant on electricity and kerosene. Sharma sees geothermal energy as a long-term solution.

“We are sitting on a gold mine of geothermal potential,” he says. “If we can harness it for village heating, it will significantly reduce fuel dependency and improve living standards during winters.”

This vision is inspired by Iceland’s success in utilizing geothermal energy for heating homes, an example Kinnaur hopes to emulate in its own way.

SPORTS AND BEYOND

Under Sharma’s leadership, the district is also focusing on youth development. A state-of-the-art sports complex is set to come up, costing ₹28 crore. The aim is clear: provide avenues for engagement and growth while steering the youth away from drug abuse.

“We can’t just talk about development without addressing our youth,” Mr. Sharma emphasizes. “Sports build discipline — something every young person in Kinnaur can benefit from.”

A GEOTHERMAL HUB IN THE MAKING

As these projects take shape, Mr. Sharma is optimistic about Kinnaur’s future. “This is just the beginning,” he says. “Our geothermal potential can be expanded into other areas, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and putting Kinnaur on the global map for innovative energy solutions.”

With its picturesque valleys and enterprising leaders, Kinnaur is redefining what it means to merge tradition with innovation. As geothermal energy powers its orchards, homes, and even tourist attractions, it won’t just be the apples turning golden—Kinnaur’s future will be too.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Chenab River Bridge
SAIL Supplies 16,000 Tonnes of Steel for World’s Tallest Railway Bridge over Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir
Haryana gov resized
Haryana: Govt Restructures Chief Minister’s Office; IAS Rajesh Khullar Now Handles 16 Depts, New Roles for Arun Gupta, Saket Kumar, & Yash Pal
IPS Rachita Juyal
UK: After Resignation Buzz, IPS Rachita Juyal Assigned Key Role in Rs 58 Cr Haridwar Land Scam Probe
DGP Rajeev Krishna IPS
UP's New DGP Rajeev Krishna Sets Crime Control Agenda in First Briefing: Focus on AI-Driven Policing and Women’s Safety
Mohan Yadav CM MP
Madhya Pradesh Aims to Be Global Wellness Hub: CM Mohan Yadav at Spiritual and Wellness Summit in Ujjain
UP Tourism
UP to Showcase Its Spiritual, Cultural Grandeur at PATA 2025 in Bangkok; Global Push for Tourism & Investment
Engineers India Limited EIL
Engineers India Ltd Expects 15–20% Rise in Turnover in FY26 Amid Record Order Book - Details Inside
BEL Bharat Electronics Limited
Bharat Electronics (BEL) & Tata Electronics Ink MoU to Boost Indigenous Semiconductor Solutions - Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
Monika Singh’s Life Beyond the Bureaucracy | Video Interview 
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Divyanshu Pal Nagar IFS
5 Years, 5 Mains, 4 Interviews: How Divyanshu Pal Nagar Stumbled in CSE, Triumphed in IFS - A Lesson for Every Aspirant
Divyanshu Pal Nagar’s inspiring five-year UPSC journey shows how perseverance, disciplined self-study,...
ANUBHAV SINGH UPSC IFS 2024
9 Years, 8 Attempts, 7 Failures: How Anubhav Singh Cracked UPSC IFS 2024 with AIR 3 Against All Odds | Exclusive
Anubhav Singh’s inspiring journey to UPSC IFS Rank 3 showcases relentless perseverance, strategic preparation,...
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
Social Media
Tiger jump Sundarban
Stunning Viral Video Shows Royal Bengal Tiger Making Spectacular 30-Foot Leap Across River in Sunderbans - See It Here
Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda shared the clip online, which quickly went...
shubham kumar ias marriage
IAS Topper Weds BPSC Topper: Shubham Kumar Marries IRS Officer Priyangi Mehta in Patna; Wedding Video Goes Viral
Topper Couple Alert: Shubham Kumar, Priyangi Mehta’s Wedding Grabs Spotlight in Bihar
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Chenab River Bridge
SAIL Supplies 16,000 Tonnes of Steel for World’s Tallest Railway Bridge over Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir
Haryana gov resized
Haryana: Govt Restructures Chief Minister’s Office; IAS Rajesh Khullar Now Handles 16 Depts, New Roles for Arun Gupta, Saket Kumar, & Yash Pal
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT