On May 3, 2016, the German Ambassador to India – Dr. Martin Ney, visited apple orchards in Kashmir along with delegates from the German Embassy, GIZ, Bayer and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST). The visit was initiated to understand the concerns faced by apple growers and to witness first-hand the on-ground activities carried out under the project.
The German Ambassador to India Dr. Martin Ney (left) inuagurated an apple clinic in Kashmir along with Joerg Rehbein (right), Head of Bayer Cropscience, Indian Subcontinent. The apple clinic is part of a Bayer-GIZ project to aid apple growers in Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh together account for 90% of India’s apple production, which stands at around 1.9 million tonnes annually. In Jammu and Kashmir, the fungal disease apple scab is a major issue for apple growers, while Himachal Pradesh faces the challenge of low productivity (approx. 4 tonnes/ha). The national productivity average for apples (approx. 6.1 tonnes/ha) has shown a downward trend over the last 3 years which is a cause of growing concern for apple growers.
To aid apple growers in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, Bayer and GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) established the AVID project (Apple Value Chain Interventions for Development) to improve the income of growers in selected districts in the two states, through better agronomic practices, value chain interventions and other innovations.
The delegation visted the Ambri apple research station where Prof. Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, explained the joint initiative taken by Bayer, GIZ & SKUAST scientists to test the weather station linked RIMpro model for forecasting and monitoring apple scab which is a dreaded disease affecting apple crop in the Kashmir valley. Apple scab if not efficiently managed causes heavy economic loss to apple growers. Currently the RIMpro model is being tested at two locations viz. Phanu in South Kashmir and Wadura in North Kashmir. After validating the advisory to the apple growers based on RIMpro model for 2 years, it will be extended to more areas in the valley.
The delegation accompanying the German Ambassador to India Dr. Martin Ney (6th from left) included Joerg Rehbein (5th from left), Head of Bayer Cropscience, Indian Subcontinent; Stefan Schmid (4th from left) from GIZ & Dr.Shafiq Wani (8th from left), Director SKUAST
Later in the day, the delegation visited the SKUAST Shalimar campus, where Dr. Nazeer Ahmed shared information on the various research and development projects being undertaken to modernize apple cultivation in Kashmir. All stakeholders of the project are satisfied with the new partnership for innovation, as it will help in transforming apple cultivation in Kashmir.
The delegation also visited an apple orchard at the Arrihal village in South Kashmir, where Joerg Rehbein, Head of Bayer CropScience Indian Subcontinent, and the German Ambassador inaugurated an apple clinic. Apple growers in the area were invited to this demonstration to receive hands-on training in diagnosing techniques for diseases, insect pests, nutrient deficiencies and other problems for taking informed decisions. The importance of using appropriate safety equipment by growers during application of crop protection products was also addressed. This was followed by distribution of protective equipment to growers. This training farm in the Shopian district is the eleventh amongst a total of 30 apple clinics intending to reach at least 1,200 farmers in Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking about the project, Stefan Schmid from GIZ said, “The project is part of the ‘ONE WORLD - No Hunger’ initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). An important element in this approach is partnerships for innovations, with the private sector and research institutions to reach the goal of improving the income of smallholders, having a positive impact on employment as well as contributing to food security.”
Joerg Rehbein, Head of Bayer CropScience, Indian Subcontinent said, "Companies often need to establish broader partnerships to leverage each other's strengths. At Bayer, we leverage our unique expertise through projects and partnerships such as this. We will in the future, focus even more on addressing specific local requirements in apple and in other crops, in order to aggressively target growth opportunities in a sustainable manner."
The Bayer-GIZ project is also active in Himachal Pradesh, where at least 2,000 farmers will be trained in good practices to increase the apple production. The project will be implemented in 2016 and 2017 over 2 years.
Bayer: Science For A Better Life
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2015, the Group employed around 117,000 people and had sales of EUR 46.3 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.3 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.in.
About GIZ
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is Germany's leading provider of international cooperation services. As a federal enterprise, the GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security. GIZ is fully owned by the Federal Republic of Germany, represented as the shareholder by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF). GIZ has more than 16,400 staff around the globe and operates in more than 130 countries worldwidewww.giz.de
Media Contacts:
Aloke Pradhan
Corporate Communications, Bayer Group in India
Phone: +91 22 2531 1090 | Email: aloke.pradhan@bayer.com
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