Srinagar, Dec 4 (JKNS): In a first-of-its-kind transparency initiative, Khuram Mir, Managing Director of Qul Fruits, went live from Italy’s premier high-density apple nurseries, giving thousands of orchardists across Jammu and Kashmir a real-time look at the procurement and grading of High Density Plantation (HDP) saplings.
The live session, streamed simultaneously across multiple Qulgahs at 3:30 PM, allowed farmers to witness the careful inspection, quarantine, and cold storage preparation of over 1.5 million saplings, those from renowned nursery of Nischler Nursery.
Participants described the initiative as “a historic step that ensures transparency, trust, and better awareness of planting material quality.”
Speaking from the nurseries, Mir demonstrated every stage of the HDP sapling process from plant selection and health inspection to grading, loading, and protective spray applications before shipment. He highlighted Qul Fruits’ collaboration with top European experts to ensure that, certified, and high-quality saplings reach Kashmir.
A significant feature of the event was the live interaction between Kashmiri farmers and European horticulture specialists. Farmers posed questions on sapling quality, survival rates, rootstock performance, cold storage, and orchard management.
Experts responded with science-backed guidance tailored to Kashmir’s agro-climatic conditions.
The session also addressed orchard challenges and practical solutions were provided to help boost orchard productivity and fruit quality.
A live demonstration of nursery operations allowed farmers to see firsthand how saplings are nurtured, monitored, and preserved under optimal conditions, enhancing confidence in the imported planting material.
Experts stressed modern orchard systems, climate-resilient techniques, and sustainable practices, emphasizing that informed farmers are essential to a successful high-density apple ecosystem.
The event concluded with Qul Fruits reaffirming its commitment to a transparent supply chain and ongoing farmer support through training, technical guidance, and field-based assistance. Farmers across Kashmir hailed the initiative as “a landmark step toward openness and scientific orchard management.” (JKNS)
