NZ Apples Head to India: Apple Action Plan Gets a Leader
A seasoned horticulturist has been appointed to deliver the Apple Action Plan, a key initiative of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
“Our commitment is to work alongside them, sharing expertise where it can add value and helping support the long-term success of India's apple sector.”
The comments follow a visit to India this week by NZAPI chief executive Danielle Adsett and Apple Action Plan project manager Lachlan McKay to meet with growers, industry leaders and government representatives in New Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.
The travelled Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Nathan Guy
It was a busy week, but what stood out most was an ever-present passion for apples, says NZAPI.
In New Delhi the delegation met with Horticulture Commissioner for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India Dr Prabhat Kumar and Chairman of APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) Abhishek Dev, before travelling north to meet with Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Jagat Singh Negi, Horticulture Minister for Himachal Pradesh, as well as horticulture department officials.
In Himachal Pradesh, apples are more than a crop, NZAPI says.
“They have shaped communities, created livelihoods and supported families for generations. However, like our own growers, Indian apple growers are navigating climate change, orchard productivity, pest and disease pressures and investment in modern infrastructure.”
The delegation discussed how the India Apple Action Plan can support growers through knowledge sharing, technical collaboration, the development of a Centre of Excellence, and stronger connections between our industries.
“We're grateful for the warm welcome we received from growers, officials and industry leaders throughout the visit, and for the fantastic support of Nathan Guy and New Zealand High Commissioner Patrick Rata.
“This is only the beginning of the journey, but the enthusiasm for collaboration was clear. We look forward to building on these relationships and delivering practical outcomes that benefit growers and apple-growing communities across India.”
