A Co-operation Meeting between New Zealand and Nagaland (India) on kiwi fruit cultivation was held on December 15 at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral collaboration in horticulture.
Addressing the meeting, Michael Fox, Head of Global Public Affairs, Zespri, said Zespri is today one of the world’s largest and leading fruit brands not by accident, but due to the belief and value New Zealand growers placed on kiwi fruit two decades ago. Drawing parallels, he noted that Nagaland’s kiwi farmers are now on a similar path and expressed strong interest in taking the partnership forward to support kiwi fruit cultivation in the state.
S Senka, Joint Director, Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, highlighted that Nagaland is one of the originating regions of kiwi fruit, along with the Indo-Burma region and southern China. He informed that commercial kiwi cultivation in Nagaland was initiated in 2001 by the Department of Horticulture. While acknowledging that the state still has a long way to go, Senka expressed confidence that with guidance and collaboration from the New Zealand team, Nagaland can significantly advance its kiwi sector.
He identified Kohima, Phek, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Noklak and Tuensang as potential kiwi-growing districts and stated that partnership with New Zealand could enhance production efficiency, quality standards, value addition and market access, paving the way for a robust, competitive and farmer-centric kiwi fruit sector. Senka also proposed a strategic roadmap including formulation of a joint development plan, establishment of a pilot Centre of Excellence (CoE) for kiwi fruit, farmer exposure visits to New Zealand’s best-practice orchards and regular review mechanisms.
In her welcome address, Akumla Chuba, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland (Horticulture Department), said Nagaland is an agrarian state with nearly 70 per cent of its population dependent on agriculture. She noted that horticulture is emerging as a key sector contributing to farmers’ livelihoods and the state’s economy. Chuba expressed hope that the visit of the New Zealand delegation would be mutually beneficial, while also pointing out logistical challenges that currently limit the scaling up of kiwi farming in Nagaland.
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The New Zealand delegation included Himanshu Arora, Head of APAC South, Zespri; Rachel Lynch, Manager, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Zespri; Stephanie Montgomery, International Programme Manager, Bioeconomy Science Institute; Melanie Phillips, Regional Agriculture Counsellor, New Zealand High Commission; and Kethoseno Peseyie, Policy Adviser (Agriculture, Trade & Economic). The meeting underscored Nagaland’s exceptional potential for expanding sustainable kiwi fruit cultivation.
The Department of Horticulture, Nagaland, has submitted a concept note for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for kiwi fruit in the state. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Ayieno Hibo, Director of Horticulture, Nagaland.
As part of the programme, the New Zealand team will visit the Horticulture Research Farm at Pfutsero in Phek district on December 16.
The meeting was chaired by Razouvolie Dozo, NCS, Additional Secretary to the Government of Nagaland (Horticulture Department), and featured a presentation on kiwi fruit in Nagaland by S. Senka, followed by sharing sessions from the New Zealand officials.
