Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the government would set up a fruit packaging plant to follow New Zealand packing practices, after meeting with New Zealand trade commissioner Paul Vaughan.
The plant is intended to spur fruit exports from the Indian state.
“We would examine the possibilities of adopting apple and fruit packaging systems available with the New Zealand growers in this hill state,” Mr Dhumal said. He added that the government may consider joint ventures with private companies to get the plant up and running.
Mr Dhurmal said the Himachal Pradesh apple crop was already being marketed in foreign countries, but the packing plant would expand that marketability. It would be capable of processing 1.5 tonnes of apples per hour.
New Zealand is interested in pursuing a trade relationship with the state, according to Mr Vaughan.
