State looks to tie-up with New Zealand for apple, pear cultivation

The state government is mulling a partnership with New Zealand in apple and pear cultivation. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hosted a delegation from New Zealand led by High Commissioner Patrick John Rata here today. He said that Himachal and New Zealand shared many similarities and collaboration in the horticulture sector, particularly in apple and pear cultivation, could significantly enhance the income of the fruit growers of the state.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal could benefit from New Zealand’s advanced horticultural practices, technology transfer and farmer capacity building. “Such cooperation will help in improving productivity, strengthen post-harvest management and meet international quality standards, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of Himachal’s produce,” he added.

Sukhu said that New Zealand’s experts could extend technical guidance in areas such as high-density plantation, orchard management, pest and disease control, storage and marketing strategies. “This initiative will not only improve yield and quality but also boost the horticulture-driven economy of Himachal,” he added.

He said that his government was committed to enhancing the income of apple growers and had taken several steps in this direction in the past two and a half years. “With the support of New Zealand’s expertise, the state aims to adopt modern, sustainable and climate-resilient practices, thus paving the way for a new era in apple and pear cultivation,” he added. Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi also gave suggestions at the meeting.

A delegation from New Zealand, led by High Commissioner Patrick John Rata, called on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Tuesday.

Modern practices

With the support of New Zealand’s expertise, the state aims to adopt modern, sustainable and climate-resilient practices, thus paving the way for a new era in apple and pear cultivation. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, chief minister