Shimla, Sep 3 - Himachal Pradesh will hold a two-day apple festival here from Oct 3 to promote the fruit it is famous for, Chief Secretary Asha Swaroop said Thursday.

'The state government in collaboration with the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) is holding an 'Apple Festival-09' in Shimla Oct 3 to 4,' Swaroop told IANS.

She said the festival would also promote tourism.

'People from outside the state will participate in the festival. This will also help in promoting tourism.'

Himachal Pradesh is one of India's major apple-producing regions, with more than 200,000 families engaged in cultivation of the fruit.

The state produced 510,000 tonnes of apples in 2008-09, though this was higher at 593,000 tonnes in 2007-08.

The apple economy of the state is around Rs.1,500 crore and flourishes mainly in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and Chamba districts.