Shimla, Oct. 2 -- A delegation led by New Zealand high commissioner Patrick Rata met chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday and offered assistance to promote apple horticulture. The chief minister said that apple production plays an important role in the state's economy. He stressed the need to organise exposure visits for farmers and orchardists to New Zealand. The delegation informed Sukhu that New Zealand is keen to provide technical expertise to promote apple horticulture and gave a detailed presentation on the proposed Apple Horticulture Centre of Excellence to be established in the state. Horticulture minister Jagat Singh Negi said that the proposed centre, to be built at cost of Rs.15 crore, for apple, kiwi and pear cultivation under the Indo-New Zealand agricultural project, would help expand the horticulture sector.HTC...