Srinagar, Oct 29: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised the sixth edition of the CII J&K Apple Conclave 2026 in Srinagar, bringing together policymakers, growers, exporters, researchers and industry leaders to discuss ways to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s apple sector and expand its global market reach.
Held under the theme “From Orchard to Global Markets”, the conclave focused on technology adoption, precision horticulture, post-harvest management, value addition and improved market linkages.
Welcoming participants, Dawar Ashraf Mir, Convener, CII J&K Horticulture Panel and Director, Ziraat Agro Ventures LLP, stressed the need to strengthen the apple value chain through innovation, technology and better market access.
Iqram Ali Shafiee, Chairman, CII J&K UT Council, highlighted horticulture’s contribution to the region’s economy and livelihoods, noting that high-density plantations, improved infrastructure and better farming practices offered a foundation for further growth.
Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman, CII Northern Region Committee on Horticulture, called for stronger quality standards, improved supply chains and greater export opportunities.
Dr N.K. Krishna Kumar, former Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR, emphasised scientific interventions and modern technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, stressed research, capacity building and reducing production costs to improve the sustainability of apple cultivation.
Chief Guest Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production and other departments, highlighted government initiatives aimed at strengthening horticulture through technology, infrastructure and farmer-centric measures. He called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to support the industry’s growth.
The conclave featured two technical sessions on “Future of Apple Cultivation, Precision Horticulture and Smart Farming” and “Post-Harvest Innovation and Smart Supply Chains”.
The discussions highlighted the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration, better post-harvest infrastructure and improved market integration to enhance the global competitiveness of J&K apples.
The event was attended by Vikas Anand, Director, Horticulture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad, Director, Agriculture, and other government officials and industry representatives.
The conclave concluded with a call for sustained collaboration among the government, industry, research institutions and growers to strengthen the apple value chain and position Jammu and Kashmir as a leading producer of high-quality apples.
