Arunachal's Kiwi Mission: A 10-Year Agricultural Revolution

Arunachal Pradesh's Ambitious Kiwi Mission 2025-2035 Unveiled

Itanagar, Sept 8 (PTI) – Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has unveiled Kiwi Mission 2025-2035, a transformative 10-year initiative to position the state as a prominent epicenter for Kiwi cultivation, much like how Assam is renowned for tea. The launch took place at Ziro in the Lower Subansiri district, with Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, cabinet colleagues, and MLAs in attendance.

In his address, Chief Minister Khandu emphasized the initiative as a major move to empower farmers and promote the state as a leader in high-quality organic agriculture. He described it as a "farming revolution that will redefine Arunachal Pradesh's role on India's agricultural map."

"Arunachal Pradesh is on a determined path to associate our land with Kiwi, akin to how Assam is recognized for its tea," Khandu mentioned on X, a social media platform. "This mission stands for empowering our farmers, adopting sustainable methods, and placing Arunachal on the global map for premium organic produce."

The program plans to establish model Kiwi orchards across 13 districts, with the fertile Ziro Valley as the centerpiece of this agricultural transformation.

The state government aims to use scientific practices, provide training, and support systems to ensure that growers can not only expand cultivation but also meet international standards. Khandu highlighted that the mission leverages the state's natural advantages, such as a temperate climate, high-altitude valleys, and fertile soils, making it ideal for Kiwi farming.

After engaging with Kiwi growers from various districts, Khandu commented, "Their insights and experiences are the driving force behind our efforts to foster sustainable farming, innovation, and farmer welfare in Arunachal Pradesh."

The launch also introduced the 'harvest of the month' initiative, which honors exemplary farmers who embody innovation and sustainability. Among the recipients were Netan Dorjee Thungon from West Kameng, who expanded his apple orchard to 1,200 plants, yielding 20 metric tonnes annually, and earning Rs 12 lakh, thanks to government support and sustainable practices.

Nani Sha from Papum Pare was recognized for cultivating 2,800 avocado plants over 5.5 hectares, earning Rs 4 lakh from his initial harvest by focusing on premium varieties like Hass and Ettinger. "The 'harvest of the month' initiative underscores our farmers' dedication, innovation, and resilience, spearheading sustainable agriculture and inspiring communities across Arunachal Pradesh," the chief minister noted.

Officials further revealed that the mission will emphasize organic certification, post-harvest management, and export promotion to cement Arunachal Pradesh's Kiwi as a global brand.

With rising domestic and international demand for exotic fruits, the state government believes Kiwi can become Arunachal Pradesh's signature produce.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)