A first of its kind Apple Mela was organized today at Lassipora Pulwama here. The event was organized by Kehwa Square Private Limited.Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hussain Samoon was the chief guest on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Samoon deliberated on the contribution of horticulture sector particularly apple in states economy.He asked the growers to come forward and take advantage of various horticulture schemes. He also talked about importance of public private partnership (PPP) in the horticulture sector.Vice Chancellor SKUAST also delivered a brief lecture on quality improvements and expansion in export of apple.Deputy Director Horticulture also briefed about the overall status of horticulture sector in Kashmir.Later Divisional Commissioner also distributed prizes among the top fruit growers including Abdul Rashid Mir of Janwara Sopore, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat of Lasipora Pulwama and Haji Abdul Rashid Mir of Keller.Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama & Shopian Districts, Senior officers and large number of people were present on the occasion.