Itanagar, Nov 28: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik is spearheading a high-profile campaign to promote Arunachal Kiwi, showcasing the State’s agricultural strength on national and international platforms.
As part of the initiative, Raj Bhavan has sent boxes of premium Arunachal Kiwi this year not only to prominent dignitaries — including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Governors, and Chief Ministers — but also to various foreign embassies and consulates.
The aim is to explore fresh international avenues and open up new market opportunities for the hardworking kiwi farmers of the State. “The Governor’s efforts go far beyond symbolic gestures, reflecting a deep commitment to ensuring that the hard work of kiwi growers receives the recognition and the market access it truly deserves,” a communiqué from the Raj Bhavan said.
Arunachal Pradesh contributes nearly 40% of India’s domestic kiwi production. This year alone, the State has produced over 70 lakh kilograms of kiwi fruit, cultivated by around 1,500 farmers across 3,582 hectares, according to the State Horticulture Department.
Major kiwi belts remain West Kameng and Lower Subansiri, while newer cultivation zones — including Dibang Valley, Anjaw, Shi-Yomi, Tawang, Upper Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Keyi Panyor, with pockets in Kamle’s Kamporijo, Papum Pare’s Sagalee, and Upper Siang’s (Mariyang, Singa, Gelling) — show great promise under favourable climatic conditions. Notably, kiwi cultivation has been introduced in Singa and Gelling under the Vibrant Villages Programme and is showing great potential and encouraging long-term prospects for farmers.
The Himalayan State is also the first in India to receive organic certification for kiwi, reflecting its commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly farming. Government agencies, including the State Horticulture Department, the Arunachal Pradesh Marketing Board, and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), are working together to help farmers access new buyers and fair market linkages. Their efforts are ensuring that the hard work of farmers translates into real opportunities and sustained income.
Welcoming the initiative, the Prime Minister praised the gesture, saying the gift of Arunachal’s kiwis symbolises the fertile land, natural wealth, and hardworking spirit of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. He noted with pride that Arunachal has emerged as India’s largest producer of kiwi, an achievement made possible by the determination of its people and their resolve to progress.
The PM acknowledged the State government’s efforts in transforming local resources into meaningful opportunities and encouraged continued growth of the horticulture sector, the communiqué stated.
This landmark campaign not only spotlights the quality and flavour of Arunachal Kiwi, but also reinforces confidence — both at home and abroad — in the produce and potential of the State’s farmers, paving the way for future export and trade possibilities, officials said.