Itanagar, May 21: In a major boost to Arunachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Wednesday launched the Mission on “Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh”, a cluster-based kiwi cultivation and value-chain development initiative aimed at transforming the State into a globally competitive organic kiwi hub.
The mission, launched in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has an estimated outlay of Rs 167 crore and seeks to strengthen the entire kiwi ecosystem — from cultivation and post-harvest management to branding, processing and exports.
Describing Arunachal Pradesh as India’s premier organic kiwi destination, Scindia said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting unique products from the North Eastern states under the “Ashtalakshmi” framework.
“Project Kiwi will empower farmers, strengthen value chains and processing infrastructure, and extend kiwi shelf life from 7–10 days to nearly 45 days,” the Union Minister said. He added that the mission would also support value-added products such as freeze-dried kiwi, juice and kiwi candy, ensuring higher returns for local communities.
Arunachal Pradesh currently contributes nearly 50 percent of India’s kiwi production, with more than 7,050 metric tonnes produced annually. However, due to inadequate post-harvest infrastructure and limited market access, farmers often face distress sales and low price realisation.
To address these challenges, the mission proposes over 30 strategic interventions across the kiwi value chain. Six integrated cluster-level Post-Harvest Management Hubs will be developed in key kiwi-growing regions including Ziro Valley in Lower Subansiri district, Dirang and Kalaktang in West Kameng, Shi Yomi and Dibang Valley districts.
The initiative adopts a convergence-based approach involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Rural Development, NABARD, ICAR-CITH, APEDA, NERAMAC and private investors.
Scindia said the project is anchored on four strategic pillars — convergence, value addition, branding and market integration — and aims to reduce intermediary dependence, strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), create 2,000 MT cold-chain capacity and position “Arunachal Organic Kiwi” in domestic and international markets by 2028.
Highlighting the State’s export potential, the Minister noted that Arunachal’s kiwi harvest season from November to January coincides with New Zealand’s off-season, creating opportunities in South-East Asian, Middle Eastern and European markets.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the launch as a defining moment in Arunachal Pradesh’s agricultural and economic journey. He said kiwi cultivation has emerged as a sustainable and transformative cash crop in high-altitude regions of the State, offering an alternative to jhum cultivation.
“Arunachal Pradesh is the largest kiwi-growing State in the country and the first to receive organic kiwi certification under MOVCD-NER in 2020. This mission will now provide a structured pathway for farmer prosperity, value addition and global market integration,” Khandu said.
He further stated that the State Government would ensure time-bound implementation of the mission in convergence with the Arunachal Pradesh Kiwi Mission 2025–35.
Secretary, MDoNER, Sanjay Jaju said the State’s high-altitude organic agro-climatic conditions are ideal for producing premium kiwi cultivars such as Hayward and Allison. He noted that kiwi cultivation has expanded across 13 districts covering over 3,582 hectares and engaging more than 1,500 farmers.
The initiative is expected to generate sustainable livelihoods, reduce post-harvest losses, improve farm-gate value realisation and encourage greater participation of rural youth and entrepreneurs in Arunachal Pradesh’s kiwi economy.