CII hosts J&K International Apple Conclave

Srinagar, Dec 20: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) successfully hosted the inaugural CII J&K International Apple Conclave today at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Shalimar, Srinagar. The event, themed ‘Restart, Grow, Aspire’, brought together a distinguished group of experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the apple cultivation sector to discuss critical challenges and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the sustainability and global competitiveness of the apple industry in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Conclave was built on the success of previous editions in Himachal Pradesh and Srinagar, offering a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among farmers, policymakers, researchers, and agri-tech innovators. Discussions focused on key areas such as orchard rejuvenation, climate resilience, post-harvest management, linking farmers to e-markets, and leveraging technology for smart, data-driven orchard practices.

Inaugurating the session, Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman CII J&K, and Executive Director – FIL Industries Private Limited reiterated the fact that all key stakeholders of the apple industry including the growers, industry leaders, and the government must unite to enhance the apple industry of the region. He was hopeful that the coming together of these key stakeholders will be critical in taking the apples of Kashmir to the international market.

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, speaking at the event, emphasized, “This Conclave marks a significant step towards rejuvenating the apple industry in Jammu & Kashmir. By embracing innovation and sustainable practices, we can secure the future of apple cultivation and enhance the livelihoods of farmers while making our apples competitive in global markets.”

Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Director of Horticulture for J&K, highlighted the government’s commitment to apple growers, stating, “The government is dedicated to the development of the horticulture sector, especially apple cultivation. Our policies aim to boost productivity, improve post-harvest management, and connect our farmers to global markets. Events like this Conclave are crucial to ensuring the sector’s growth and sustainability.”

The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman and Managing Director of Aries Agro Ltd, Anil Arora, Manager (Lubes) M&P, IOCL,  Dawar Mir, Founder & Managing Director, Ziraat Agro LLP, and Dr Tariq Rasool Rather, Professor of Plant Pathology at SKUAST-Kashmir.

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the Chief Guest, congratulated CII for organizing the Conclave and praised their efforts to empower farmers. He said, “We must focus on new technologies to boost productivity. Our goal is to increase the economic output of the horticulture sector and position our apples in global markets. To achieve this, we must move beyond traditional methods and embrace science and technology.”

Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman and Managing Director of Aries Agro Ltd., expressed his admiration for the enthusiasm and curiosity of the farmers, saying, “It is inspiring to see the eagerness of the farmers here today. Their willingness to adopt new techniques and practices is key to advancing the apple industry.”

Dr Mirchandani further added, “The Kashmiri apple brand has immense potential to reach global markets. With the support of CII and initiatives like this Conclave, we can turn this vision into a reality.”

The event featured multiple panel discussions and facilitated B2B and B2G meetings, fostering collaboration between the private sector and government agencies. Key topics included sustainable pest management, soil health, climate change mitigation, and precision orchard management.

By bringing together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and agri-tech innovators, the CII J&K Apple Conclave aims to shape a sustainable future for apple cultivation in the region. The conclave emphasized the adoption of modern technology, building global market linkages, and empowering stakeholders through actionable insights.