Srinagar, Oct 28: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Wednesday called for modernising Jammu and Kashmir’s apple industry through technology adoption, precision horticulture and improved market linkages to boost growers’ incomes and expand access to domestic and international markets.
He was speaking at the sixth edition of the CII J&K Apple Conclave 2026, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), J&K, at Radisson Collection, Srinagar. The conclave, themed “From Orchard to Global Market”, brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to modernise the sector and improve its competitiveness.
Dar stressed the need to adopt modern orchard management practices, precision farming techniques and scientific interventions to improve productivity, ensure consistent quality and make apple cultivation more sustainable and profitable.
He said strengthening the apple economy required a coordinated approach covering orchard modernisation, scientific cultivation, post-harvest management, value addition and marketing infrastructure. He called for closer collaboration among government departments, industry representatives, agricultural scientists and growers to address challenges and improve returns for farmers.
The Minister emphasised that shifting from traditional cultivation methods to market-oriented horticulture was essential to meet changing consumer preferences and international quality standards.
He highlighted the importance of better grading, packaging, storage and supply-chain management in reducing post-harvest losses, maintaining produce quality and enabling growers to secure better prices.
Dar also stressed the need to promote innovation and sustainable practices across the apple value chain, adding that coordination among the government, industry and research institutions could help improve competitiveness and open new markets for Kashmir’s apples.
He appreciated CII J&K for providing a platform for dialogue among stakeholders, saying such initiatives could facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage investment and help develop practical solutions for the sector’s sustainable growth.
Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, attended the conclave as the guest of honour.
Senior officers from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments and CII representatives were also present.
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