Arunachal Pradesh has officially emerged as the kiwi capital of India, thanks to its favourable climate and sustained government support. In a landmark announcement, Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveiled a fresh horticulture policy aimed at expanding fruit farming, strengthening the agri-economy, and tapping into the state’s natural potential.
The announcement came during a public address in Ziro, Lower Subansiri district, one of the leading kiwi-growing belts in the state. Farmers, traders, horticulturists, and agricultural officers attended the launch event, which highlighted the strategic intent behind making Arunachal a key player in India’s premium fruit sector.
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Kiwi Cultivation Transforms Arunachal’s Landscape
The hills and valleys of Arunachal Pradesh have always been rich in biodiversity, but in recent years, the shift toward fruit farming—especially kiwi—has gained momentum. The CM noted that over 1,200 hectares are currently under kiwi cultivation across the districts of Ziro, Tawang, West Kameng, and East Siang.
“With the right support and planning, Arunachal can not only feed domestic demand but also export high-quality kiwis globally,” said CM Khandu. He added that the new horticulture policy will support farmers with modern techniques, cold storage units, grading machines, and improved market access.
Significantly, Arunachal is the only Indian state producing kiwis on a commercial scale. The fruit, typically imported from New Zealand or Italy, is now increasingly sourced from local farms in India, thanks to Arunachal’s cool climate and suitable soil conditions.
Key Features of the New Horticulture Policy
The horticulture policy has been framed with inputs from agri-scientists, local farmers, and international consultants. According to the state horticulture department, the policy focuses on:
- Providing subsidies for planting materials, irrigation systems, and farm equipment
- Creating pack houses, processing centres, and refrigerated supply chains
- Training farmers on organic practices and global quality standards
- Boosting research on disease-resistant and high-yield kiwi varieties
- Promoting brand ‘Arunachal Kiwi’ across Indian and international markets
Moreover, the state will collaborate with institutions like ICAR, NABARD, and the National Horticulture Board to implement these plans effectively. CM Khandu stated that Rs 150 crore has been earmarked for this sector in the coming year alone.
Farmers Welcome the Move, Seek Faster Implementation
Local kiwi growers have expressed strong support for the initiative. Tsering Norbu, a farmer from Dirang in West Kameng, said, “We’ve been cultivating kiwis for over a decade, but the lack of cold storage and proper grading facilities hurt our profits. This policy gives us hope for a better future.”
Women self-help groups involved in fruit processing have also welcomed the support measures. They believe that value-added kiwi products like jam, squash, and wine can create additional income streams and generate employment.
However, many farmers also urged the government to ensure timely disbursal of subsidies and reduce bureaucratic delays that often hamper field-level implementation.
Arunachal Eyes Fruit Export Market
With increasing demand for exotic fruits in both domestic and international markets, Arunachal’s vision goes beyond self-sufficiency. The state is targeting exports to neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, and even Middle Eastern and European markets through air cargo links.
To this end, the horticulture department is already in talks with agricultural exporters and freight carriers to ensure kiwis from Arunachal reach global shelves while staying fresh. The policy also encourages public-private partnerships to attract investment into kiwi orchards, processing plants, and marketing networks.
According to experts, Arunachal’s entry into the premium fruit market is a game-changer for the Northeast. The state’s approach of blending traditional farming wisdom with modern agritech models could become a blueprint for other hill states as well.
CM Appeals for Youth Participation
Highlighting the scope of entrepreneurship in agriculture, CM Khandu encouraged the youth to take up kiwi farming as a viable career. “We must move away from thinking agriculture is for the unskilled. Kiwi farming requires knowledge, planning, and can yield high returns,” he said.
He further added that educated youth returning to their villages can be catalysts in changing rural economies by using their skills and networks for better marketing, branding, and farm management.
A Fruitful Future Beckons
With the announcement of this comprehensive horticulture policy, Arunachal Pradesh is all set to retain its status as India’s kiwi capital. The vision is clear: to empower farmers, enhance production, and take Arunachal’s organic kiwi to global heights. The government’s move is expected to bring long-term benefits not just in agriculture, but also in tourism, employment, and rural development.
As the state gears up for a greener, fruit-rich future, all eyes are on how quickly and efficiently this policy gets rooted in the fields.
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