Nagaland in the Northeast to be next 'Kiwi State of India'?

KOHIMA: The Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar recently suggested that Nagaland should be made the ‘Kiwi State of India’ by making efforts in research and training of farmers to reap good quality returns from Kiwi Production. 

While addressing a virtual meet on ‘Value Chain creation for Kiwi fruit-Farm to Fork’, organized by the Agriculture ministry along with Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland, the minister said, ““A new chapter is being introduced in the agricultural history of Nagaland which will be highly beneficial to the Kiwi farmers of the state. This programme of Kiwi production enhancement will prove to be a milestone in the years to come.”

It was further informed that the Centre is working with the state government of Nagaland to build the capacity of farmers in production as well as the packaging of Kiwi products.

This is being done as the Centre understands problems faced by farmers in the northeastern region in getting good planting material, productivity issues, lack of packaging facilities and marketing networks for farmers, he added. Tomar further said the Centre is also ensuring that farmers are connected to the market, so that they can get a fair price for their produce.

Also Read: Assam media mogul Dr. Sanjive Narain awarded ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Award 2020’

The research institute in Nagaland has also conducted training and exposure visits of farmers from the Phek district of Nagaland for helping them understand how to reap good returns through the Kiwi production, he said, adding, "The persistent efforts should be made by all to ensure that Nagaland can emerge as the 'Kiwi State of India."

To boost kiwi production, the minister said the Himalayan climate is suitable for kiwi production and there is a need to introduce high-yielding varieties.

With extensive research and development support, the commercial cultivation of kiwi fruit has been extended from the sub-Himalayan regions of India to the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Nilgiri Hills.

Currently, India imports 4,000 tonnes of Kiwis from New Zealand, Italy and Chile while the domestic production is about 13,000 tonnes.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:                                                                  

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.