Project aims to strengthen cold-chain, branding and farmer incomes in India’s largest kiwi-producing state
Guwahati, May 20: The Centre on Wednesday launched a ₹167 crore mission to develop Arunachal Pradesh’s organic kiwi sector, seeking to transform the state into a premium export-oriented kiwi hub through investments in cold-chain infrastructure, branding, processing and market linkages.
The initiative, titled “Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh”, was launched by Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Officials said the mission adopts a cluster-based approach and will establish six integrated post-harvest management hubs in key kiwi-growing regions, including Ziro Valley, Dirang, Kalaktang, Shi Yomi and Dibang Valley.
The project aims to address major gaps in the kiwi value chain, including inadequate storage facilities, post-harvest losses and low price realisation for farmers.
Arunachal Pradesh accounts for more than half of India’s kiwi production, producing over 7,000 metric tonnes annually. Despite this, growers often face distress sales because of the fruit’s short shelf life and lack of organised market infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), farmers currently receive ₹20–40 per kg for lower-grade kiwi and around ₹120 per kg for Grade A produce, while imported kiwi commands far higher prices in domestic markets.
Scindia said the mission was part of the Centre’s broader “Brand North East” strategy aimed at promoting one flagship product from each northeastern state in national and international markets.
The minister said the mission would focus on expanding cold-chain capacity, restoring organic certification, promoting farmer producer organisations (FPOs), supporting kiwi-based enterprises and improving export readiness.
Officials said the project seeks to create around 2,000 metric tonnes of cold storage capacity and strengthen processing and value-addition facilities by 2028.
The mission also plans to capitalise on Arunachal Pradesh’s November-to-January harvest window, which coincides with New Zealand’s off-season, potentially opening export opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Besides exports, the initiative will promote kiwi orchard tourism and farm-stay experiences in regions such as Ziro Valley and Dirang.
Chief Minister Khandu said kiwi cultivation had emerged as a major cash crop in Arunachal Pradesh and offered a sustainable alternative to shifting cultivation in several high-altitude districts.
He said the state government would integrate the initiative with its Arunachal Pradesh Kiwi Mission 2025–35 programme to improve farmer livelihoods and strengthen the horticulture economy.
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