In Srinagar, a landmark partnership has been established between Nischler, Europe's leading apple tree nursery, and Qul, a Kashmir-based horticultural innovator. This collaboration, operating as 'Nischler-Qul,' is set to transform the apple industry in the Himalayan region, with ambitions to position it as a global leader in apple production by 2030. The venture will introduce European horticultural expertise to Kashmir, aiming to kickstart commercial production by 2027.
The joint venture between Nischler and Qul intends to transfer advanced horticultural knowledge, technology, and practices from Europe to the Himalayan region. This initiative is expected to elevate the quality of apple trees in Kashmir, aligning local nurseries with international standards. Goerg Nichler, CEO of Nischler, emphasized the venture's goal to blend European practices with local expertise to enhance the region's apple production capabilities and profitability.
One focus of the partnership is the development and testing of new apple varieties tailored for the Himalayan climate, aiming to provide farmers with high-yield, disease-resistant plants. By 2030, the venture seeks to reduce reliance on imported planting material, making the region a hub for high-quality apple production and potentially enabling exports of local planting material.
To support this goal, Nischler and Qul will offer training programs in Italy for Himalayan farmers, sharing the latest trends in high-density planting and other advanced techniques. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower local farmers with the resources and knowledge to improve their practices and outputs significantly.
This partnership reflects a commitment to leveraging global expertise to benefit the Himalayan region's agricultural sector, promising a future where Kashmir is recognized as a leading producer of high-quality apples on the international stage.
Source: Greater Kashmir