SHIMLA - 1 October, 2026-Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi today here held a meeting with a six-member delegation from New Zealand, led by New Zealand High Commissioner Patrick Rata, which is on a three-day visit to Himachal Pradesh.

During the meeting, the delegation held detailed discussions on various aspects of horticulture in Himachal Pradesh. Jagat Singh Negi said that the proposed Indo-New Zealand Centre of Excellence, with an estimated cost of Rs. 15 crore, for apple, kiwi and pear cultivation under the Indo-New Zealand agricultural project would help expand the horticulture sector in the state.

He said that thousands of families in Himachal Pradesh are directly and indirectly dependent on horticulture. The main objective of the project is to upgrade farmer’s skills through New Zealand’s technical expertise and acquaint them with modern horticultural technologies.

Under the project, quality, disease-resistant and improved planting nurseries will be developed. Facilities for integrated post-harvest management will also be established, along with the use of modern and advanced technologies to ensure the availability of apple, kiwi and pear planting material according to market demand.

Horticulture Minister said that the project will also focus on skill development of farmers through training programmes and exposure visits.

He said that the delegation would visit the proposed project sites to assess their geographical conditions. As part of the visit, the delegation will also travel to Rajgarh in Sirmaur district.

New Zealand Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Nathan Guy, Counsellor (Primary Industries) at the New Zealand High Commission James Waugh, Agricultural Partnership Manager Priyam Arora, Danielle Vallakalan, Additional Director Horticulture Vidya Prakash and other senior officers were present in the meeting.