In a bid to promote hill produce and support local farmers, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will organise a two-day event titled ‘Apple Festival 2.0’ in Dehradun on 9th and 10th October 2025. The festival will take place at NABARD’s Dehradun office and aims to connect apple and kiwi producers directly with customers.
Following the success of last year’s one-day ‘Apple Festival 1.0’, the initiative has been expanded this year to include more farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and self-help groups (SHGs) from across Uttarakhand. The event will showcase a wide range of high-quality agricultural and artisanal products from the state’s hill regions.
Our correspondent reports that the festival is part of NABARD’s ongoing efforts to empower small and marginal farmers by providing them with sustainable market linkages. Through its Farmer Producer Organisation and Self-Help Group initiatives, the bank has helped hundreds of farmers adopt better post-harvest practices and improve the quality of their produce.
Visitors to the Apple Festival 2.0 will get a chance to purchase ‘A’ grade Royal Delicious, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious apples sourced from NABARD-supported FPOs in the scenic Harshil Valley. These apples, known for their taste and freshness, are cultivated under natural conditions that preserve both quality and flavour.
Along with apples, naturally grown kiwi fruit from Kapkot will be featured prominently. The farmers producing these kiwis have been trained in eco-friendly cultivation practices that minimise the use of chemicals while maintaining nutritional value.
Our correspondent adds that the festival will also highlight a variety of hill products such as walnuts, kidney beans, GI-tagged items, handloom fabrics, herbal teas, and organic juices. Locally made pickles and other processed foods produced by SHGs will also be available for sale, giving visitors a taste of the authentic flavours of Uttarakhand.
Officials from NABARD have stated that the festival’s goal is to strengthen the connection between rural producers and urban consumers. By creating such direct marketing platforms, the organisation seeks to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their products while consumers gain access to fresh, natural, and high-quality goods.
The two-day event will also feature stalls displaying information about NABARD’s developmental initiatives, including its role in promoting agri-entrepreneurship, organic farming, and sustainable livelihood programmes. Attendees will be able to interact directly with farmers, learn about the cultivation practices used in the high-altitude regions, and explore opportunities for collaboration or investment in rural enterprises.
Our correspondent adds that the festival has already generated enthusiasm among both producers and consumers in the state. Many farmer groups from Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Almora have confirmed participation, seeing the event as an opportunity to reach larger markets and gain recognition for their produce.
In addition to exhibitions and sales, NABARD plans to conduct interactive sessions on value addition, packaging, and branding for farmers, helping them understand the importance of quality standards and market readiness. Experts in horticulture and agribusiness will also offer guidance on improving productivity and profitability for apple and kiwi growers.
‘Apple Festival 2.0’ stands as a testament to NABARD’s continued commitment to promoting rural prosperity and strengthening the agricultural economy of Uttarakhand. With the involvement of self-help groups and farmer organisations, the festival is expected to draw a large crowd from Dehradun and nearby districts, turning the event into a celebration of the state’s rich horticultural diversity.
