Shimla, Aug 28 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh, known worldwide for its juicy apples, is going showcase them for the first time in Delhi and Chandigarh in an initiative to link tourism with its over Rs 3,000 crore apple industry, officials said on Sunday.

"We are going to organise for the first time apple festivals in New Delhi and Chandigarh in October," State Tourism Commissioner Mohan Chauhan told IANS.

He said organic fruits, nuts, species, cereals and pulses grown in the state would also be showcased along with the apples.

In Shimla, he said, the two-day annual apple festival would be held next month.

Chief Secretary V.C. Pharka said the purpose of organising the apple festivals was to educate the people about the varieties and the quality of apples being produced in the state.

Organic crops like kidney beans, apricots and walnuts would be showcased during the festivals.

Apple constitutes about 49 per cent of the area under fruit crops and about 85 per cent of all fruit production.

Kinnauri apples, known across the world for their natural sweetness, colour and juiciness, normally start arriving in the markets in October.

Interestingly, farmers in the state's landlocked valleys like Pangi in Chamba district and Dodra Kwar in Shimla district have never used pesticides and fertiliser for growing crops.

The state government is majorly boosting organic farming.