Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Wednesday called for a comprehensive transformation of Jammu and Kashmir’s apple industry through technological innovations, precision horticulture, smart farming practices and enhanced market connectivity to boost growers’ incomes and strengthen the region’s competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
The Minister was addressing the 6th Edition of the CII J&K Apple Conclave 2026, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Jammu and Kashmir, at the Radisson Collection, Srinagar. The conclave, themed “From Orchard to Global Market,” brought together stakeholders for detailed deliberations on strategies to modernise the apple sector, address existing challenges and unlock its potential in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Emphasising the need to transition towards technology-driven horticulture, Javid Ahmad Dar underscored the importance of adopting modern orchard management practices, precision farming techniques and scientific interventions to enhance productivity, ensure consistent produce quality and make apple cultivation more sustainable, efficient and economically rewarding.
The Minister stressed that strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s apple economy requires a comprehensive and coordinated strategy encompassing orchard modernisation, scientific cultivation practices, efficient post-harvest management, value addition and the development of robust marketing infrastructure. He called for closer collaboration among government departments, industry representatives, agricultural scientists and growers to translate emerging opportunities into tangible economic benefits for the farming community.
Highlighting the importance of aligning traditional horticultural practices with evolving market requirements, Dar said that the transition towards modern, market-oriented apple cultivation is essential to meet changing consumer expectations and comply with international quality standards. He emphasised that improvements in grading, packaging, storage facilities and supply-chain management are critical to minimising post-harvest losses, preserving the quality of produce and enabling growers to secure better returns for their produce.
Javid Ahmad Dar further stressed the need to promote innovation, sustainability and the adoption of advanced technologies across the entire apple value chain. He observed that effective coordination among the government, industry and research institutions would be instrumental in addressing sector-specific challenges, strengthening competitiveness and creating new opportunities for market expansion.
The Minister also appreciated CII Jammu and Kashmir for providing a constructive platform for dialogue, collaboration and partnership among stakeholders associated with the apple industry. He noted that such initiatives can facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage investment and help identify practical, industry-oriented solutions to support the sustainable growth and long-term development of Jammu and Kashmir’s apple sector.
Vice Chancellor of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, attended the conclave as the Guest of Honour. Senior officers from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments, along with representatives of CII, were also present on the occasion.
