Centre Launches ₹167-Crore ‘Arunachal Kiwi Mission’ to Build Global Organic Kiwi Brand

Itanagar: The Centre on Wednesday launched an ambitious ₹167-crore cluster-based mission for development of kiwi cultivation and value-chain infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, aiming to transform the state into a globally competitive organic kiwi hub.

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 and senior officials from the Centre and the state government.

Designed through a convergence-led model anchored by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, the mission brings together schemes and support from multiple ministries and institutions including NABARD, ICAR-CITH, APEDA, NERAMAC and private investors.

The mission adopts a cluster-based strategy with six integrated post-harvest management hubs planned across key kiwi-growing regions such as Ziro Valley, Dirang, Kalaktang, Shi Yomi and Dibang Valley.

Officials said more than 30 strategic interventions have been planned under the programme to address gaps in production, storage, processing, branding and market access for kiwi farmers.

The initiative seeks to restore Arunachal Pradesh’s lapsed organic certification, develop cold-chain infrastructure and reduce distress sales caused by the limited 7–10-day shelf life window after harvesting.

Addressing the gathering, Scindia said the mission reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring farmers become stakeholders across the entire agricultural value chain “from farm to fork”.

He said the project forms part of the larger “Brand North East” strategy under which each northeastern state is being identified with a unique agricultural or cultural strength, including organic farming in Sikkim, ginger in Mizoram and Lakadong turmeric in Meghalaya.

Scindia noted that despite Arunachal Pradesh contributing more than 50 per cent of India’s kiwi production, farmers currently receive only ₹20–40 per kilogram for lower-grade produce, while imported kiwi fetches significantly higher prices in domestic and international markets.

The mission has therefore been designed around four major pillars — convergence, value addition, branding and market integration — with a focus on improving farmer income and reducing dependence on intermediaries.

The Union Minister said the programme aims to create 2,000 metric tonnes of cold-chain capacity, promote kiwi-based startups, strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and expand processing and export infrastructure by FY 2028.

He also highlighted plans for international branding of “Arunachal Organic Kiwi” through media campaigns, trade fairs and QR-enabled traceability systems linked directly to farmers.

The mission additionally seeks to promote experiential agri-tourism and farm-stay initiatives in regions such as Ziro Valley and Dirang, leveraging Arunachal Pradesh’s organic farming ecosystem and scenic landscape.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the initiative as a defining moment for the state’s agricultural economy and said kiwi cultivation had emerged as a sustainable alternative to shifting cultivation practices in high-altitude areas.

He said the state government would ensure time-bound implementation of the mission in coordination with the Arunachal Pradesh Kiwi Mission 2025–35.

According to officials, kiwi cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh currently spans more than 3,582 hectares across 13 districts and supports over 1,500 farmers.

The mission is expected to create sustainable livelihoods, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the participation of rural youth in the horticulture economy of the state.