ITANAGAR, Oct 26: Arunachal Pradesh has taken a significant step towards entering international horticulture markets with the dispatch of a 1.5-tonne trial consignment of kiwi fruit to Dubai, UAE, to be showcased at outlets of LuLu Hypermarket LLC.
The trial shipment was flagged off at the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Secretariat here on Monday as part of efforts to explore export opportunities for the state’s kiwi growers and expand overseas market access for local agricultural produce.
Agriculture and Allied Departments Minister Gabriel D Wangsu attended the flag-off ceremony in the presence of MLA and Advisor to the Trade and Commerce Minister, Dr Mohesh Chai and Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa. Officials from the concerned departments, representatives of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and kiwi growers were also present.
The initiative has been undertaken by the state Departments of Trade and Commerce and Horticulture in collaboration with APEDA under the Arunachal Kiwi Project.
The consignment is intended for promotional display at LuLu Hypermarket outlets, offering an opportunity to showcase the quality of Arunachal-grown kiwi in the overseas market and assess its commercial potential.
The initiative aims to strengthen market linkages, encourage value addition and create opportunities to improve farmers’ incomes. It also seeks to highlight the importance of quality standards, post-harvest management and packaging in meeting international market requirements.
With its favourable agro-climatic conditions and growing potential for kiwi cultivation, Arunachal Pradesh has scope to expand horticultural exports. The trial shipment is expected to help identify potential buyers and assess prospects for developing sustainable export channels.
The state government, in coordination with APEDA and the Horticulture Department, will continue efforts to promote export-oriented agriculture and improve market access for locally grown products.
The initiative is expected to open avenues for kiwi and other potential export commodities, supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to the state’s economic development.