Arunachal Pradesh has taken a significant step forward in its fresh produce industry by sending its first shipment of premium kiwifruit to Dubai this week. This milestone was reported by local publication Hub News.
The trial shipment, weighing 1.5 tonnes, left on October 26 and was celebrated with a launch event at the Civil Secretariat in Itanagar. The ceremony was attended by various important figures including Agriculture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, Trade and Commerce Advisor Dr. Mohesh Chai, Ziro MLA Hage Appa, and other officials and local growers.
Ziro Valley, located in the Lower Subansiri district, is often referred to as the “Kiwi Capital of India.” The region benefits from a favorable climate, rich soil, and high-altitude conditions that are ideal for growing kiwifruit.
However, local farmers have historically struggled with accessing distant markets due to high transportation costs and limited cold storage facilities. They also face competition from imported kiwifruit from countries like New Zealand, Chile, and Italy.
To help local growers, the state government and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) have been working together to promote Ziro kiwifruit both in India’s domestic markets and internationally. The focus is on encouraging organic farming practices and ensuring that the fruit is ready for export.
This initial shipment is part of the Arunachal Kiwi Project, a collaborative effort involving the state’s Departments of Trade and Commerce and Horticulture, along with APEDA. The project’s goal is to explore consumer demand in the UAE, establish lasting connections in the market, and create direct business opportunities for local farmers. The kiwifruit will also be featured in promotional displays at LuLu Hypermarket locations in Dubai.
Minister Wangsu praised the success as evidence of the dedication of kiwifruit growers and the growing potential within the state’s horticultural sector. He highlighted the importance of maintaining high quality, ensuring consistent supply, and developing sustainable market relationships to solidify Arunachal Pradesh’s position in the global market.
To uphold these standards, APEDA and the Indian Institute of Packaging have begun offering training to Ziro farmers on important topics like post-harvest handling, sorting, and efficient packaging.
