📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Agriculture
Himachal CM Sukhu Meets NZ High Commissioner to Boost Apple Horticulture
✍️ newsonair.gov.in
🗓 05 Oct 2026, 02:01 PM
👁 10
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur met New Zealand High Commissioner Patrick Rata to discuss joint initiatives in apple horticulture, aiming to enhance production and export opportunities.
The meeting took place at the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat in Shimla, where Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and New Zealand High Commissioner Patrick Rata outlined a framework for cooperation in apple horticulture.
Both officials highlighted the potential of Himachal’s apple sector to benefit from New Zealand’s advanced cultivation techniques and market access strategies. They agreed to explore joint research projects, farmer training programmes, and trade facilitation mechanisms.
The discussion also touched on the possibility of establishing a bilateral trade corridor for Himachal apples, leveraging New Zealand’s export networks to reach Asian and European markets.
While no formal agreement was signed, the parties expressed commitment to drafting a Memorandum of Understanding within the next few months to formalise the cooperation.
The initiative is expected to boost local apple production, create employment opportunities in rural areas, and enhance the state’s reputation as a premium apple supplier.
Both officials highlighted the potential of Himachal’s apple sector to benefit from New Zealand’s advanced cultivation techniques and market access strategies. They agreed to explore joint research projects, farmer training programmes, and trade facilitation mechanisms.
The discussion also touched on the possibility of establishing a bilateral trade corridor for Himachal apples, leveraging New Zealand’s export networks to reach Asian and European markets.
While no formal agreement was signed, the parties expressed commitment to drafting a Memorandum of Understanding within the next few months to formalise the cooperation.
The initiative is expected to boost local apple production, create employment opportunities in rural areas, and enhance the state’s reputation as a premium apple supplier.