Union Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday asserted that Nagaland should be made ‘’Kiwi State of India’’ by making persistent efforts in research and training farmers to reap good returns from Kiwi production.
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, Tomar 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.”
The Centre is working closely with the state government and especially the Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland, in capacity building of farmers in production as well as packaging of kiwi products, he stated.
Tomar lamented that the North East, due to difficult terrain, was lagging behind and all ministries including Agriculture ministry are working towards ensuring a progressive North East.
He also elaborated on the problems faced by the farmers in the North East region namely lack of good planting material, productivity issues, lack of packaging facilities and marketing networks for farmers.
Tomar said that the ministry was trying to provide handholding support to Kiwi farmers across the country in a bid to reduce the country’s dependence on imports in line with the call on ‘’Vocal for Local’’.
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.
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.
Currently, India imports 4,000 tonnes of Kiwis from New Zealand, Italy and Chile, while the domestic production is about 13,000 tonnes.