India Launches Arunachal Kiwi Mission with Focus on Exports, Cold Storage, and Branding

Central government has launched the Mission on ‘Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh’ with the financial outlay of ₹167 crore. This initiative aims to transform Arunachal Pradesh from a kiwi producing state into a premium organic kiwi powerhouse with strong domestic and global market presence.

Centre Launches Arunachal Kiwi Mission

Union Minister Shri. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has officially launched the mission.

The initiative is designed as the cluster-based kiwi cultivation and value chain development program.

It is being anchored by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).

The mission reflects the broader Viksit North East vision which is focused on transforming regional strengths into globally competitive economic opportunities.

Why Arunachal Pradesh Matters in Kiwi Production

Arunachal Pradesh is the India’s largest kiwi-producing state.

The state contributes more than 50% of the India’s total kiwi production.

Also the annual production is estimated at over around the 7,050 metric tonnes.

Kiwi cultivation has emerged as the major cash crop in the high-altitude belts of the state.

It is also increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to traditional jhum cultivation.

The Problem Farmers Face

Despite being the India’s top kiwi producer, farmers often face the poor returns.

Grade C kiwi sells at only ₹20 to 40 per kg.

Grade A produce fetches just ₹120 per kg.

Meanwhile, the imported kiwi often commands the higher market prices.

A major reason is the short 7-10 day distress-sale window due to the weak post-harvest infrastructure.

This situation forces the farmers to sell quickly at lower prices.

Key Features of the ₹167 Crore Mission

The mission adopts the whole of government convergence model.

Also the multiple institutions are involved, including the,

• Ministry of Agriculture
• Ministry of Rural Development
• Ministry of Food Processing Industries
• NABARD
• ICAR-CITH
• APEDA
• NERAMAC
• Private investors

The focus is on to creating a complete value chain from the production to premium retail markets.

Cluster-Based Development Model

Total six integrated post-harvest management hubs will be developed under this mission.

These clusters are located in,

• Ziro Valley (Lower Subansiri)
• Dirang
• Kalaktang (West Kameng)
• Shi Yomi
• Dibang Valley

This model allows the farmers to benefit from shared infrastructure and collective market access.

Major Targets Under the Mission

The mission has the ambitious economic and agricultural goals.

These includes,

• To creating 2,000 metric tonnes cold-chain capacity
• Also reducing the distress sales significantly
• Restoring NPOP organic certification
• Strengthening the Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
• Improving post-harvest processing
• Encouraging kiwi-based startups
• Increasing shelf life
• Boosting exports by FY 2028
• Improving farmer earnings by 4 to 6 times

Brand Arunachal Organic Kiwi

A premium brand identity which is called ‘Arunachal Organic Kiwi’ will be promoted.

The branding strategy includes the,

• Media campaigns
• International trade fairs
• QR-enabled traceable packaging
• Export market integration
• Single-origin premium branding

This aims to position the fruit alongside with the imported premium kiwi brands.

About Kiwi Farming in India

Kiwi is a high value horticulture fruit.

It grows best in a cooler climates with high altitude conditions.

Major Indian producing regions includes the Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

Also the demand for the kiwi continues to rise because of growing health awareness and premium fruit consumption.