Centre launches Rs 167-crore Arunachal Kiwi Mission to boost organic kiwi cultivation, cold-chain infrastructure and export potential in Arunachal Pradesh.
New Delhi, May 20: The Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) on Tuesday launched a Rs 167-crore mission aimed at strengthening kiwi cultivation, post-harvest infrastructure and market integration in Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative, titled “Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh”, was launched by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta and MDoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju.
According to the ministry, the mission has been designed through a convergence-based approach involving multiple central ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, NABARD, ICAR-CITH, APEDA and NERAMAC, along with private investors. The project seeks to transform Arunachal Pradesh into a premium organic kiwi-producing hub with stronger domestic and international market access.
Under the mission, six integrated cluster-level post-harvest management hubs will be established across major kiwi-growing regions including Ziro Valley in Lower Subansiri district, Dirang and Kalaktang in West Kameng district, Shi Yomi and Dibang Valley. Officials said the mission includes more than 30 interventions covering plantation development, cold-chain infrastructure, processing facilities, branding, traceability systems and agri-tourism initiatives.
The ministry stated that the initiative aims to address major challenges faced by kiwi farmers in the state, including low price realisation, lack of cold storage facilities and distress sales during the short harvest period.
Speaking at the launch, Scindia said the mission was part of a broader effort to identify and promote one unique product from each Northeastern state under the “Brand North East” initiative. He referred to products such as ginger from Mizoram, coffee from Nagaland, Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya and muga silk from Assam as examples of region-specific products being promoted through dedicated value-chain development. The minister said the Arunachal Kiwi Mission is intended to strengthen the entire supply chain “from farmer to market” through convergence among government departments, research institutions and the private sector.
According to official data shared during the launch, Arunachal Pradesh contributes more than 50 per cent of India’s kiwi production, producing over 7,050 metric tonnes annually. However, officials noted that farmers often receive only Rs 20 to Rs 40 per kilogram for lower-grade produce and around Rs 120 per kilogram for Grade A fruit, while imported kiwi sells at significantly higher prices.
Scindia said the mission is built around four focus areas — convergence, value addition, branding and market integration. Key targets include creation of 2,000 metric tonnes of cold-chain capacity, improved processing facilities, promotion of kiwi-based startups and expansion into export markets by 2028. The minister also highlighted plans to develop “Arunachal Organic Kiwi” as a regional brand supported by QR-enabled traceability, media campaigns and participation in international trade fairs.
Officials said the state’s November-to-January harvest season aligns with the off-season in New Zealand, creating export opportunities in Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern and European markets. The mission will also promote farm-stay tourism and orchard-based tourism experiences in areas such as Ziro Valley and Dirang.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the launch as a significant step in Arunachal Pradesh’s agricultural sector and said kiwi cultivation had emerged as an alternative livelihood option in high-altitude regions. He said the state government would integrate the initiative with its own Arunachal Pradesh Kiwi Mission 2025–35 for time-bound implementation.
MDoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju said kiwi cultivation has expanded across 13 districts of Arunachal Pradesh, covering over 3,582 hectares and involving more than 1,500 farmers. The ministry said the initiative is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmer incomes and encourage youth participation in the kiwi economy in the state.
