The project targeting small farmers in the Himachal Pradesh province of northern India involves scientists and horticultural experts from Plant and Food, Agfirst Engineering, Fruition Horticulture and industry body NZ Apples and Pears in a World Bank-funded, three-year plan.
The remote region, little known in NZ, is responsible for 30% of India’s apple production. The project will also focus on mango and summer fruit production.
NZ Apple and Pear chief executive Alan Pollard said the project will provide the province’s growers with access to NZ expertise, helping improve the region’s productivity and crop quality.
With the NZ apple industry boasting the highest productivity in the world at 65 tonnes a hectare a year Pollard is confident their Indian counterparts will gain significant upside in the deal.
Plant and Food Research chief executive Peter Landon-Lane said the institute’s scientists have been working with the apple industry for more than 50 years and their research has contributed to the excellent reputation of NZ produce globally.
“To be able to share this knowledge to support communities in developing regions is very rewarding.”
The project aims to incorporate NZ expertise to develop orchard management techniques, irrigation and water harvesting to improve fruit production and quality.
It also aims to lower pesticide use that reaches toxic proportions in some Indian crops.
A 2013 survey found apples and oranges in India had banned pesticide levels 140% above permissible limits.
