SRINAGAR: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted the inaugural CII JK International Apple Conclave on Friday at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Shalimar, Srinagar. The event, themed ‘Restart, Grow, Aspire,’ brought together experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the apple cultivation sector to discuss challenges and solutions aimed at enhancing the sustainability and global competitiveness of the apple industry in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Conclave built on earlier editions in Himachal Pradesh and Srinagar, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among farmers, policymakers, researchers, and agri-tech innovators. Discussions focused on areas such as orchard rejuvenation, climate resilience, post-harvest management, linking farmers to e-markets, and leveraging technology for data-driven orchard practices.
Inaugurating the session, Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman CII J&K and Executive Director of FIL Industries Private Limited, stressed that stakeholders of the apple industry, including growers, industry leaders, and the government, must unite to enhance the apple industry in the region. He expressed hope that this collaboration will help take Kashmir’s apples to international markets.
Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, said, “This Conclave is a step towards rejuvenating the apple industry in Jammu & Kashmir. By adopting innovation and sustainable practices, we can secure the future of apple cultivation, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and make our apples competitive in global markets.”
Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Director of Horticulture for JK, outlined the government’s support for apple growers, stating, “The government is committed to the development of the horticulture sector, especially apple cultivation. Our policies aim to increase productivity, improve post-harvest management, and connect farmers to global markets. Events like this Conclave play a role in driving growth and sustainability in the sector.”
The event included speakers such as Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman and Managing Director of Aries Agro Ltd.; Anil Arora, Manager (Lubes) M&P, IOCL; Dawar Mir, Founder and Managing Director of Ziraat Agro LLP; and Dr Tariq Rasool Rather, Professor of Plant Pathology at SKUAST-Kashmir.
Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the Chief Guest, commended CII for organising the Conclave and promoting farmers’ welfare. He said, “We must adopt new technologies to increase productivity. The goal is to enhance the economic output of the horticulture sector and position apples from the region in global markets. This requires moving beyond traditional methods.”
Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman and Managing Director of Aries Agro Ltd., acknowledged the farmers’ interest in adopting new techniques. He remarked, “The Kashmiri apple brand has the potential to reach global markets. With CII’s support and initiatives like this Conclave, this vision can be achieved.”
The event featured panel discussions and facilitated B2B and B2G meetings, encouraging collaboration between the private sector and government agencies. Topics included pest management, soil health, climate change mitigation, and orchard management.
By bringing together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and agri-tech innovators, the CII JK Apple Conclave aims to shape a sustainable future for apple cultivation in the region. It emphasised the adoption of technology, building market linkages, and empowering stakeholders through actionable insights.
