Shimla: Shri Narendra Bragta, Horticulture Minister who is heading a high-level delegation to Europe visited renowned Cooperative societies in VINSCHGAU valley in BOLZANO, ITALY yesterday alongwith senior officers of the State Government on the invitation of Export Organization South Tvrol (EOS) of Chamber of Commerce of Boizano to study best production, packaging and marketing practices there. Italy accounts for more than one fourth of apple production in Europe and commands respect through the world for quality apple. The EOS arranged meeting with the leading Co-operatives societies of Bolzano in northern part of Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland While speaking with them.

Shri Bragta also apprised about the progress made by Himachal Pradesh in horticulture development. During discussion with top executive of GEOS Co-operative, having best sorting lines and packaging facilities in the world, Shri Bragta said that the State Government would also adopt these practices in Himachal Pradesh. He also visited the orchards in Bolzano and inter-acted with the experts and apple growers who have succeeded in getting 90 MT apples from one hectare. He said that the production of apple in Himachal Pradesh could increase manifold and farmers get very good price for their produce by adopting such healthy practices, production, harvesting, storage, packing and marketing.