Shimla: 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.
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.