SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09: Nischler, Europe’s premier tree nursery, has entered into an exclusive joint venture with QUL, a Kashmir-based innovative horticultural enterprise, to establish a world-class apple plant nursery in the region.
A joint statement released by Nischler and QUL said the partnership aims to revolutionise the apple-growing landscape, not just in Jammu & Kashmir, but in the entire Himalayan region, positioning the area as a global leader in apple and apple planting material production by 2030.
“The joint venture between Nischler and QUL will focus on transferring cutting-edge European horticultural knowledge, technology, and expertise to develop premium quality apple trees tailored to the unique conditions of the Himalayan region. With commercial production expected to begin by 2027, this nursery will offer farmers access to world-class planting material and help transform the region’s horticultural output,” the statement said.
It said that through this collaboration, Nischler and QUL also aim to bring the technical expertise and practices used in Europe’s top nurseries to Kashmir. The transfer of knowledge and training will ensure that nurseries in the region operate on a par with international standards, offering Kashmiri farmers the highest quality plants. “The partnership will focus on testing new apple varieties, specifically those suited for the Himalayan climate. The development of these club varieties will provide farmers with high-yield, disease-resistant apple plants that are in demand globally, ensuring Kashmir’s horticultural market remains competitive on the international stage. With a target to make Kashmir a global hub for high-quality apple planting material by 2030, the joint venture aims to decrease dependence on external imports. By producing the best apple trees locally, the region will not only meet domestic demand but also eventually export its world-class planting material worldwide,” the statement added.
About Nischler: Nischler Nursery, based in South Tyrol, Italy, is renowned for its high-quality apple trees and innovative horticultural practices. As the largest apple nursery in Europe, Nischler spans over 500 hectares, producing approximately 7 million apple trees annually. The nursery focuses on producing robust, well-branched trees that meet rigorous standards for fruit and tree quality. Nischler has implemented advanced technologies to ensure sustainable farming practices. Their apple varieties are constantly updated to meet market demands. The nursery is equipped with modern cold storage facilities capable of storing 4 to 5 million young trees at a time.
About QUL: QUL is an innovative horticultural company based in Kashmir, focused on transforming the region’s fruit farming sector through advanced technologies and sustainable practices. QUL’s steadfast commitment spans the entire horticulture value chain, along with the innovative development of biological and non-biological technologies. QUL has successfully cultivated an ecosystem that propels the horticultural business landscape in India to unprecedented heights. QUL’s competencies in Design, Installation, Management, and Operation (DIMO) of orchards, as well as efficient warehousing and transportation, have yielded remarkable outcomes.