The conditions in Uttarakhand's hill districts are proving favourable for kiwi cultivation, leading the state government to announce an Rs 800-crore (US$96 million) Kiwi Mission. The project aims to expand kiwi farming to 3,500 hectares across all mountainous districts, though challenges remain, particularly the lack of saplings.
To address this, a four-member team from the Horticulture Department will travel to Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on September 25 to study advanced techniques. According to Dr Narendra Yadav, CEO of the Uttarakhand Horticulture Council, Arunachal Pradesh has set a benchmark in kiwi production in India, making it an ideal model for Uttarakhand.
Dr Yadav said that large-scale planting material, especially saplings, will be required for the mission. Uttarakhand currently does not have a kiwi nursery or model orchard. Based on the study tour, the state intends to establish its own nursery and strengthen its infrastructure.
A 28-hectare kiwi nursery is planned in Karmi, Bageshwar, which will be developed as a Kiwi Centre of Excellence.
The study team consists of Dr Suresh Ram, Joint Director (Horticulture), Mahendra Pal, Director (Horticulture Mission), Dr Narendra Yadav, and nursery development officers Mohit Palli and Rahul Meena.
At present, Nainital has 115 hectares under kiwi cultivation, producing 96 metric tons. Almora has 35.40 hectares with 9.60 metric tons, while Bageshwar covers 69.61 hectares with 60 metric tons. Pithoragarh has 40.46 hectares but no production reported, and Champawat has 24.19 hectares with 18.75 metric tons. Dehradun records 135.89 hectares under cultivation but no production. Pauri has 113.08 hectares with only 0.25 metric tons. Tehri accounts for 73.80 hectares with 18.90 metric tons, while Chamoli has 33.13 hectares with 1.80 metric tons. Rudraprayag covers 48.30 hectares with 1.50 metric tons, and Uttarkashi has 58.57 hectares with the highest production of 175 metric tons.
Officials say the mission will increase production and provide income opportunities for farmers in the hill regions.
Source: The Daily Jagran