New Delhi: Arunachal Pradesh’s kiwi sector is set for a major transformation with the launch of “Project Kiwi”, aimed at strengthening production, processing, and market connectivity for farmers under the USP initiative for the Ashtalakshmi States.
The initiative was launched by Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, along with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Valued at Rs 167 crore, the mission is designed to empower farmers by strengthening value chains, enhancing processing infrastructure, and improving market access for Arunachal’s kiwi produce. A major focus of the project is extending the shelf life of kiwis from 7–10 days to nearly 45 days, enabling the fruit to reach wider domestic and global markets, Scindia said in a post on X.
The initiative will also promote value addition through products such as freeze-dried kiwi, juice, and candy, ensuring greater value accrues directly to local communities and growers, he said.
Arunachal Pradesh is currently the largest kiwi-producing state in India, contributing nearly 50% of the country’s total production.
Speaking on the initiative, Khandu said he was glad to participate in the launch of the Kiwi Project as a USP of Arunachal Pradesh and highlighted that the programme will significantly strengthen the sector.
In a post on X, he noted that the project will support orchard rejuvenation, varietal replacement, and expansion of cultivation, while also addressing critical gaps in post-harvest management. This will be achieved by strengthening infrastructure, value addition systems, processing capacity, and market linkages for farmers.
The CM also extended congratulations to kiwi growers across the state and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his focused approach towards sector-wise development in the North-Eastern region.
