The inaugural CII J&K International Apple Conclave brought together farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders to shape the future of apple cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir.
BY EOK NEWS DESK
Srinagar witnessed a landmark event today as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted the inaugural CII J&K International Apple Conclave at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Shalimar. The conclave, themed ‘Restart, Grow, Aspire’, gathered a distinguished array of experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders in apple cultivation to address the pressing challenges faced by the sector and explore innovative solutions to boost its global competitiveness and sustainability.
Building on the successes of prior editions held in Himachal Pradesh and Srinagar, this event served as a premier platform for farmers, researchers, agri-tech innovators, and policymakers to exchange ideas and forge new collaborations. Discussions revolved around crucial topics such as orchard rejuvenation, climate resilience, advanced post-harvest management, connecting farmers with e-markets, and implementing cutting-edge technology for smarter, data-driven orchard practices.
Key Stakeholders Call for Unity and Innovation
The conclave began with an inaugural address by Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman of CII J&K and Executive Director of FIL Industries Private Limited. Altaf emphasized the necessity of uniting key stakeholders—growers, industry leaders, and government bodies—to elevate the apple industry in the region. He expressed optimism about the event’s ability to catalyze transformative changes, remarking, “Collaboration among stakeholders will be pivotal in taking Kashmir’s apples to international markets.”
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, also highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “This conclave is a vital step in rejuvenating the apple industry in Jammu & Kashmir. By embracing innovation and sustainable practices, we can secure a brighter future for apple cultivation, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, and make our apples globally competitive.”
Government’s Commitment to Growth
Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Director of Horticulture for J&K, reinforced the government’s dedication to the apple growers, emphasizing its efforts to enhance productivity, streamline post-harvest processes, and establish global market connections. “Our policies are focused on uplifting the horticulture sector. Events like this conclave provide a crucial opportunity for dialogue and collaboration, ensuring the sustained growth of apple cultivation,” he said.
Insights from Industry Experts
The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including:
• Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman and Managing Director of Aries Agro Ltd.
• Mr. Anil Arora, Manager (Lubes) M&P, IOCL.
• Mr. Dawar Mir, Founder & Managing Director of Ziraat Agro LLP.
• Dr. Tariq Rasool Rather, Professor of Plant Pathology at SKUAST-Kashmir.
Prof. Ganai, the event’s chief guest, lauded CII’s initiative, remarking, “To position our apples as a global brand, we must transcend traditional methods and leverage scientific advancements. The economic potential of the horticulture sector can be unlocked only through innovation and collaboration.”
Dr. Rahul Mirchandani commended the enthusiasm of local farmers, calling their curiosity and willingness to adopt new practices “inspiring.” He added, “Kashmir’s apples have immense untapped potential to capture global markets. With the strategic support of CII and initiatives like this conclave, we can turn this potential into a tangible reality.”
A Multifaceted Agenda for Growth
The event hosted numerous panel discussions, interactive sessions, and B2B and B2G meetings that facilitated collaborations between the private sector and government agencies. Topics such as sustainable pest management, soil health, climate change mitigation, and precision orchard management were thoroughly explored.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the CII J&K International Apple Conclave set the stage for actionable strategies to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for apple cultivation in the region. The conclave underscored the importance of adopting advanced technologies, fostering global market linkages, and empowering farmers through knowledge-sharing initiatives.
As the conclave concluded, it left behind a resounding message: collaboration, innovation, and resilience are the cornerstones for unlocking the true potential of Kashmir’s iconic apple industry.