Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], The 5th CII Himachal Pradesh Apple Conclave concluded on Wednesday with a renewed commitment to foster collaboration and innovation in the apple farming industry.

With more than 500 apple growers in attendance from across the state, participants expressed confidence in the future of sustainable apple farming and pledged to work together to address the challenges facing the sector.

The fifth edition of CII Himachal Pradesh Apple Conclave was organized at Shimla's Kufri on June 26 with the theme 'Making Apple Farming Sustainable for Future'.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the apple growing industry to discuss critical aspects of sustainable apple farming. The chief guest of the inaugural session was Mohan Lal Brakta, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Horticulture, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Himachal Pradesh, according to an official statement.

"The 5th CII Apple Conclave demonstrates our dedication to promoting sustainable practices in apple cultivation," said Mohan Lal Brakta, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Horticulture, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

"By addressing key challenges and exploring innovative solutions, we aim to secure the future of this crucial industry and support the wellbeing of our apple growers. The state government has made several farmer-friendly decisions, including the introduction of universal cartons for packaging, the freight price by weight and a significant increase in the minimum support price for apples," Brakta added.

Navesh Narula, President, CII Himachal Pradesh, expressed CII's commitment to collaborating with apple growers in the state to promote sustainable apple farming practices and has launched several capacity building programmes.

He emphasized that CII Himachal Pradesh is dedicated not only to advancing the apple farming sector but also contributing to the overall growth and development of the state. Narula said. “We are committed to ensuring that Himachal Pradesh prospers economically and sustainably, benefiting all residents and fostering a prosperous future for the region.”

"The state government is fully committed to supporting sustainable apple cultivation," said C. Paulrasu (IAS), Secretary, Horticulture and Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh. "Programmes like the CII Himachal Pradesh Apple Conclave provide a crucial platform for all stakeholders to collaboratively address and exchange ideas on all aspects of apple farming," he added.

The conclave included sessions on disease management and nutrition in apple farming as well as a session on new age apple cultivation, marketing, packaging, post-harvest harvesting and supply chain management.

The conclave provided a platform for industry experts, researchers and policymakers to share their knowledge and experiences. Discussions focused on the latest advances in disease management, nutrition management and new-age agricultural techniques that can help apple growers adapt to changing climatic conditions and market demands.

“The sessions on Disease Management and Nutrition Management in Apple Farming and New Age Apples, Marketing, Packaging, Post-Harvest Harvesting and Supply Chain Management were particularly insightful,” said Rajesh Kumar, a leading apple grower. of Himachal Pradesh. "The knowledge gained here will help us improve our agricultural practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of our orchards."