India apples

Global retail giant Carrefour has initiated a technical support programme with Indian apple growers in readiness to source direct supplies when it opens its first stores there next year, reports the Economic Times.

The retailer has been selecting growers in the Matiana region of Himachal Pradesh, and will work to improve their farming techniques to deliver a better quality apple.

“Our technical advice will mainly focus on limiting chemical usage, natural fertilising, harvest-handling and post-harvest storage conditions,” said Yannick Douville of Carrefour WC&C India Private Ltd.

Delhi-based Dev Bhumi is one of the firms appointed by Carrefour to work with farmers to manage storage and logistics.

Dev Bhumi this month began operating its distribution centre in Matiana, which features controlled atmosphere storage on two levels.