New Zealand’s peak industry body for pipfruit will play a leading support role in a World Bank project aimed at rejuvenating India’s apple sector, according to the New Zealand Herald.
Pipfruit New Zealand, along with leading New Zealand research institute Plant & Food Research, will work with growers and researchers in the state of Himachal Pradesh in an attempt to reverse a decline in production volumes, largely the result of disease and aging trees. The New Zealand Herald reported that the state has been pre-approved for a US$160m World Bank loan, which will be used to deliver the seven-year project.
By assisting with the project, Pipfruit New Zealand hopes to improve market access opportunities for its growers and exporters in the South Asian nation, including the abolishment of tariffs at times when Indian fruit is not available. India currently imposes a 50 per cent duty on all New Zealand imports, costing suppliers around US$15m a year, according to the New Zealand Herald.
“The New Zealand industry is one of the few that can offer capability without being in a competitive situation,” Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard told the newspaper. “By building a relationship with India they can be confident we're not a threat.”
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